KUCHING: Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), formerly United People’s Party (UPP), representatives have been excluded in the finalised new line-up of more than 700 councillors in the state’s 24 local councils.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing (pic) said the list was approved during the state cabinet meeting yesterday.
“The list has been finalised and it is confirmed that there is no councillors outside of the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) components.”
Masing explained the list would now be sent to Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud for endorsement.
He added that it was up to the Ministry of Local Government to make the announcement.
“But the procedure is that once the Cabinet approves the list, it will be sent to the TYT (Yang di-Pertua Negeri) for endorsement.
“Even if it is endorsed next month, the term of the new councillors starts on July 1, so their appointment will be backdated,” he said when met at Wisma Bapa Malaysia.
Earlier, Masing shot down rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle in their meeting though they did discuss issues and matters regarding the administration of the state.
PSB, which is not a member of GPS, was given the post of Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman but its representation in other councils was low in the previous lineup. It had only two councillors in Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), one councillor in Miri City Council (MCC) and seven including the chairman’s post in SMC.
The cabinet meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg while Deputy Chief Minister Datuk
Amar Douglas Uggah is the chairman of the Special Cabinet Committee to finalise the councillor appointments.
