MBKS readies for youth election, set to become first local authority in Sarawak to elect Youth Council

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By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Aug 1: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is ready for a youth election, pending the issuance of an appointment letter, making it the first local authority in Sarawak to establish a Youth Council.

MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng emphasised that this initiative ensures young people are actively involved in decision-making processess that impact their lives and future.

“This initiative aligns with the principles of inclusive and participatory governance championed by the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and Sarawak’s Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which focuses on empowering future generations,” he said at the 36th anniversary celebration of Kuching City at MBKS Square.

The event was officiated by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Youth Council initiative builds on MBKS’s Unicef Child Friendly Cities initiative, launched in October 2022, which established a Child Council to engage students across Kuching South. This reflects MBKS’s commitment to ‘leaving no one behind’ and ensuring that Sarawak’s children’s voices help shape the city’s future.

Wee highlighted ongoing efforts to make Kuching an age-friendly city by improving infrastructure for elderly citizens, enhancing safety with smart CCTV systems equipped with AI, and maintaining Kuching’s status as a Creative City of Gastronomy, with the Centre of Gastronomy construction set for completion in 2026.

“Under the leadership of Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, our city has thrived by blending modern progress with our rich heritage and vibrant culture.

“This celebration honours our past and paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Our leadership ensures that progress does not come at the expense of our cultural identity,” he said.

As Kuching marks its 36th anniversary since achieving city status in 1988, Wee called for collaboration to build an inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant city for all.

Meanwhile, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) Mayor Hilmi Othman pointed out that in 36 years, Kuching North has seen rapid development due to the efforts and wisdom of leaders in advancing Sarawak while maintaining peace and balancing the well-being of its diverse community.

Aligned with Sarawak’s PCDS 2030 aspirations, he shared that DBKU has developed the DBKU Strategic Plan 2022-2030, based on the CBSSS (Clean, Beautiful, Safe, Smart, Sustainable) agenda.

“This year marks the third year of its implementation, and our annual reports show it is progressing well, with a focus on strategic partnerships among government bodies, the private sector, and the public,” he said.

Hilmi also announced that DBKU will host the Sarawak Urban Forum 1.0 in October this year at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre. The forum aims to provide a platform for local authorities in Sarawak to discuss and share ideas on urbanisation.

The Premier’s wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Minister of Utility Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Deputy Minister of Energy and Environment Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni were among those present. — DayakDaily

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