KAPIT: Datuk Philimon Nuing spent his final day as walikota of Kapit District Council reminiscing the time when he was appointed. In 2003, then Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud made the announcement of Philimon’s appointment during a visit to Kapit for the Jalan Melekun-Mujong earth-breaking ceremony.
“I first set foot in my office at the former Dewan Masyarakat Kapit (now Wisma Megah) and met secretary Morshidi Fredrick where I was shown to my office. “There was no proper handing over of duties and I made my own effort to find out about the job as walikota. As a politician by background, I am not familiar with the administration and job as a walikota,” he said.
“However over the years of experience I felt comfortable as walikota until now,” said Philimon during the handing over of duties here on Thursday. Commenting on the end of his tenure, Philimon said it was emotional coupled with relief. “I feel emotional because over the 16 years of service, I have established a strong trust and cooperation with the staff and councillors, and feel proud of this.” He added: “On the other hand, I feel relieved as now I have more free time to pursue my own personal things, and have more time with my family.” He thanked the councillors, administration and staff for their full support during his tenure.
“I wish to see Kapit develop more in future and I am confident that my successor Lating Minggang, with his new team of councillors, will continue to develop Kapit.” Meanwhile, Lating thanked Philimon and his previous team of councillors for bringing a lot of changes to Kapit as well as Song and Belaga.
“We have seen a lot of changes, with many major development projects including the proposed beautification of Lily Pond, multi-storey car park, Kapit Town Square, Kapit Riverfront Phase II, Song Riverfront Phase II and III and Belaga Waterfront projects Phase I & II that are in various stages of construction. “Basically there are so many things that have been done and planned by the previous walikota,” he said. Also present at the ceremony were council secretary Jabang Juntan, senior council officers and councillors.
