KOTA SAMARAHAN: Abang Ismawi Abang Ali has been officially appointed as the Chairman of the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) for the 2025-2028 term, succeeding Datuk Peter Minos.
Abang Ismawi, who previously served as MPKS Deputy Chairman, took his oath of office during a swearing-in ceremony officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the Sarawak State Farmers’ Organisation Hall today.
The position of Deputy Chairman has also changed hands, with Daily Joseph now assuming the role.
Speaking at the event, Dr Sim stressed that those entrusted with the responsibility must serve with dedication as the frontliners of the Sarawak government.
“Being a councillor is not just a title; it is a responsibility, as they represent the third layer of the Sarawak government.
“Even though you (councillors) are in the third layer, we are all part of the government’s frontline.
“This is because every complaint faced by the people will also be felt and received by councillors, even though certain matters, such as roads, may not fall under your purview.
“The public will not contact the Public Works Department (PWD) or Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) to report such issues – they will reach out to you,” he said.
Elaborating further, Dr Sim expressed his belief that MPKS holds a significant responsibility in line with the state government’s efforts to intensify development in Samarahan, which also serves as the knowledge hub of Sarawak.
“Here, we have Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), the Sarawak Heart Centre, a teaching hospital, an infectious diseases centre, and a cancer centre.
“We are not just a medical hub here, but a health metropolis – forming a complete ecosystem.
“Therefore, today’s councillors must be better than their predecessors, and MPKS plays a key role in that vision,” he added.
