MBKS mayor clarifies luncheon role, urges Pending rep to focus on constituents

Dato Wee Hong Seng

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, June 11: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has clarified that his attendance at a Sarawak Club luncheon with Chinese embassy and consular officials was part of his official duties in representing Sarawak at international engagements.

Wee said the luncheon was held in conjunction with the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference and Exhibition (APGH) 2026, taking place at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) this week, where the foreign delegates were among invited participants.

He explained that hosting and engaging with international delegates forms part of his role as mayor, aimed at strengthening global partnerships and creating opportunities that benefit Sarawak and its people.

“This is part of my official responsibility in welcoming international guests and promoting cooperation that can bring value to Kuching and Sarawak,” he said during a press conference at the MBKS building today.

Wee stressed that such engagements should not be politicised, as they serve as platforms for knowledge exchange, networking, and long-term economic collaboration.

He was responding to remarks by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, who had questioned his attendance at the luncheon and raised concerns over representation issues involving a separate overseas engagement in China.

Wee urged elected representatives to focus on serving their constituents rather than engaging in public disputes that could undermine the reputation of local government institutions.

He said Sarawak’s participation in international platforms, particularly in areas such as green technology, clean energy, and hydropower development, remains crucial for the State’s long-term growth.

“Kuching’s role is to be a liveable and sustainable city that continues to open doors to partnerships, new skills, industries, and high-value jobs for our people,” he added.

Wee reiterated that his priority remains the development of Kuching and the well-being of its residents, saying that international engagement is ultimately aimed at delivering tangible benefits back home. — DayakDaily