Help shape Sarawak’s future, Wee urges child councillors

KUCHING: The 31 newly sworn-in Kuching South Child Council members have been urged to see their appointment as more than a platform to voice children’s concerns, but as an early opportunity to take part in shaping Sarawak’s future.

Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the child council formed part of Sarawak’s wider nation-building efforts, particularly in developing the next generation of leaders.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for the 2026–2028 term at the MBKS chamber here Saturday, he said the council provided children with an opportunity to participate in local governance despite being below the legal age to become councillors.

“We need succession. Mayors like me cannot be here forever. We need to train people up for succeeding and succession. This is part of nation-building,” he said.

The latest line-up comprises 31 members, comprising 10 who have been retained and 21 new members.

He also encouraged the new members to learn from one another, speak up on issues affecting children and gain experience not only locally but also through interactions with people from different communities and countries.

“You are part of what I call Sarawak nation-building,” he said, stressing that inclusivity was an important element of the process.

Wee said the council should not exist merely for meetings, photographs or ceremonies, but should become a platform through which children could highlight issues and propose solutions.

“If you think our parks can be better, tell us. If you see problems affecting children, raise them. If you have ideas on safety, health, the environment, technology, sports, arts or activities for children, share them with us,” he said.

He added that adults might view the city differently from children, making their participation important in ensuring that urban development reflected the needs of younger residents.

The Child Council is part of MBKS’ efforts under UNICEF’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), which seeks to support local governments in realising children’s rights and creating inclusive, safe and supportive communities.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who witnessed the swearing-in ceremony, said the Child Council should also prepare its members to become future leaders who could contribute not only to their communities but also at national and international levels.

He said the council’s role went beyond being the “voices of children”, as its members could eventually contribute to policy discussions involving areas such as safety, healthcare, education, digital issues and the environment.

Commending the effort, Dr Sim also highlighted that children should be exposed to broader issues such as sustainable development, low-carbon initiatives and smart-city development, while learning how local communities could respond to challenges that crossed geographical boundaries.

“We want to give you a head start, so that next time when you become a councillor, when you become a politician, when you become a leader, become a civil society leader, you will have a lot of experience,” he said.

Dr Sim said the ultimate goal was for the young councillors to grow into capable leaders who could contribute meaningfully to Sarawak and beyond.

Wee echoed the call, reminding the new councillors that their appointment came with both a privilege and a responsibility — to speak up, listen to others and consider what they could contribute to their city.

“You are the next generation. Our Sarawak is not only my Sarawak. It is your Sarawak also. It is our Sarawak,” Dr Sim added.