KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg virtually witnessed the swearing-in ceremony of deputy mayor Hilmy Othman with Kuching South City Council (MBKS) whose term of service will be extended another year today (July 23).
All the councillors were virtually sworn-in in the same ceremony.
During the inaugural meeting, MBKS Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng stated that the councillors’ continuous support and cooperation are essential in ensuring MBKS’ success in carrying out its functions.
He asserted that the council remained highly relevant today as a result of their enthusiastic participation in meetings, planning sessions, executions, and coordinating events.
“Disagreements are respected, vigorous debates are tolerated and constructive criticism is welcomed with open arms as we carry out our responsibilities. Whatever we do or plan to do, we always have the community’s best interests in mind,” he said.
Wee reminded the councillors that they serve as the ‘first point of contact’ between the citizen and the authorities, as well as being responsible to both the state government and the residents of Kuching South.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that the high expectations placed on us by both our key stakeholders, the state government and the general public are met.
“Especially now, when everyone is dealing with an unprecedented crisis brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, both the public and the state government are relying on local councils to carry out their responsibilities to perfection and above expectations in ensuring that people and government’s interest are well protected,” he said.
Wee hoped that the councillors will work well together and stay unified in the community’s best interests.
“We may have differing opinions and beliefs, but when it comes to carrying out our main obligations as councillors, there is only one goal which is to serve the community wholeheartedly,” he added.
