Local authorities play crucial role in community governance and development, says deputy minister

SIBU: Local authorities stand at the forefront, directly engaging with the community, making them the pivotal government machinery, according to Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee.

The Deputy Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Minister commended the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) as one of Sarawak’s best-performing councils and noted its crucial role in aligning Sibu’s growth with the Sarawak Government’s vision to become a developed state by 2030.

“When Sarawak aims to become a developed state, the standards will be different. We cannot run business as usual; we cannot be complacent with what we have achieved in 2023; we cannot apply the same formula and think it’s good enough for Sibu.

“When Sarawak becomes a developed state by 2030, what will Sibu be? That is a question that we need to challenge ourselves,” he said in his speech at the SMC Annual Dinner held at a renowned hotel here last night (Dec 29).

Tiang also lauded SMC’s move towards sustainability by adopting a paperless approach in meetings, aligning with Sarawak’s green initiatives and becoming the first council to undertake such an initiative.

Encouraging further innovation, Tiang urged SMC to continue setting standards and inspire other local authorities by transforming Sibu into a ‘better Sibu.’

“For the year 2024, I’m looking forward to more creative ideas, more creativity, and committed effort from SMC to serve our fellow Sibu residents. We want our children to be proud of Sibu. I believe if all of us come together and believe in this vision, we will definitely achieve it.

“I have seen how you (SMC) tackle all these challenges over the years, and you manage to overcome them. As the deputy minister for the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, I continue to challenge you to go further in public services, recreational side, and infrastructure,” he added.

Also present were Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, SMC chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh, SMC deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley, organising chairperson Councillor Michelle Law and others.