LUNDU: Appointed council members serve as the frontliners in delivering services to the community, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He emphasised that the role of council members is crucial, as they are the individuals closest to the people at the grassroots level.
“The services delivered by council members often represent the public’s first impression of the effectiveness of the government’s delivery system,” he said when officiating the swearing-in ceremony for Lundu District Council members held here today.
The ceremony saw 32 newly-appointed council members take their oath of office for the term from April 1 2025 to March 31 2028.
These appointments are expected to drive local governance toward becoming more responsive and people-centric.
Dr Sim, who is also the Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, highlighted that the responsibilities of council members go beyond municipal management as they also involve policy-making and drafting by-laws that directly affect the daily lives of the people.
He also urged local communities to get to know their council members just as they know their elected representatives, in order to foster stronger ties between the council and the community.
“This is essential to ensure that local issues can be addressed more quickly and effectively,” he stressed.
“Council members are not just policymakers; they are listeners, connectors and implementers who play a vital role in realising the state government’s aspirations,” he added.
According to Dr Sim, the appointment of these council members is expected to further strengthen the Sarawak government’s efforts in improving the quality of local services, in line with its goal of inclusive and people-oriented development.
The event was also attended by Opar assemblyman, Billy Sujang, and Tanjong Datu assemblyman, Azizul Annuar Adenan.
