KUCHING, Nov 11: Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian has rebutted opposition claims that the Amendment to Section 3 of the Local Authority Ordinance 2020 is to allow the local authorities to venture into commercial businesses over native land.
The amendment of Section 3 of the Local Government Ordinance, 2020 was to give native status to local authorities listed in the Schedule for all purposes under the Land Code.
Dr Sim clarified this, in a statement today, after members of the opposition attempted to portray that this amendment was intended to allow the local authorities to venture into commercial businesses over native land in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting.
“This was never the intention of the government.
“Therefore, it is important for me to correct this misrepresentation made by the members of the opposition,” he pointed out.
In fact, Dr Sim emphasised that the main objective of this amendment is to allow the local authorities to acquire and use native land for the purpose of exercising its duties and functions under the Ordinance such as carrying out and implementing any works, projects and schemes within the jurisdiction of the local authorities.
He added that these include public playground, public libraries, markets, sport centre, nursery or any other public amenities as allowed by the Ordinance for the benefit of the people in those areas and of course the people of Sarawak at large.
“The good intentions of the government to bring more developments to the rural areas and providing better facilities and infrastructures should not be politicised by anyone, including the opposition.
“More developments to the rural areas will enable local authorities to provide better services to the rakyat,” he added.
Meanwhile, the DUN passed the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 which Dr Sim tabled yesterday (Nov 10).
Section 131(A) of the Local Authorities Ordinance, 1996 (the Principal Ordinance) gives power to local authority to carry out either by itself or with the local authority or person for residential, commercial, industrial or any other undertaking which the local authority may determine.
The local authorities must ensure that any structure within their respective areas is safe to the public where any fence or structure abutting or encroaching into public places that causes danger to the public should be removed.
The amendment Bill also sought to amend Section 161A(1) of the Principal Ordinance to allow local authority to seize, remove or detain anything unused in the commission of an offence and not necessarily the things that are used in the conduct of trade or business.
It also proposed amendment to Section 172 and Section 172 (A) to expedite and improve the process of amendment to the Third and Fourth Schedules of the Principal Ordinance by allowing the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (the State Cabinet) to amend the Third and Fourth Schedules by the notification in the gazette.
Dr Sim emphasised that the amendment to the Local Authorities Ordinance, 1996 reflected the need to ensure that there were continuous efficient and effective service delivery to meet the local communities’ expectations and needs. — DayakDaily
