KUCHING: To former Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) mayor Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai, leaving DBKU is like saying goodbye to a wonderful family.
Although heart-breaking, he is however glad that a heavy responsibility has been lifted off his shoulders.
Speaking to New Sarawak Tribune yesterday, Abdul Wahap, who has been with DBKU for the past eight years, said it was an honour to serve and would be taking life easy now.
Quoting Gen Douglas MacArthur (famous American five-star general during WWII), who said, “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away,” Abdul Wahap said, “Likewise, I too will fade into the background…but I will remain in contact, to assist in anywhere I can and when I am called to do so.”
He described his term with DBKU as a wonderful and memorable experience, working to make Kuching a more livable, vibrant and sustainable city.
The staff, he added, were committed and capable.
Abdul Wahap will be remembered as the person who started the Clean, Beautiful and Safe City (CBS), and The City with a Soul initiatives to make the city better.
He also started the DBKU CBS 2019-2023 plan launched by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, who launched it in March this year.
Also the first one to start the ‘Smoke Free’ Zone, Abdul Wahap has won the hearts of many, who were happy that the environment is being taken care of, starting with the coffee shops.
He has no regrets whatsoever as he has “given my best shot”.
“I can only apologise if my best wasn’t good enough for some,” he added.
He wished the new Kuching South City Council mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng and his DBKU successor Datuk Junaidi Reduan the very best in their challenging roles.
“Both served DBKU during my tenure with dedication and commitment. I have full confidence that they will be able to make Kuching a clean, beautiful, safe, smart and sustainable city together.”
Before he became DBKU’s sixth mayor in 2011, he served as Sarawak deputy police commissioner from 2002-2005.
He was also Narcotics Crime Investigation Department director at the police headquarters in Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur before retiring in 2007.
