By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 1: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk James Chan will let the chief minister and the state Cabinet decide on the mayorship of the city council.
“I keep on repeating that I would have served 11 years and two months by end of August (when my current term expires).
“So I leave it in the good hands of the state government to decide,” he told reporters when met at the 31st Anniversary celebration of Kuching City Day, here, today.
He believed there are some good and capable people who can take over but the most important factor would be the mayor’s ability to work together with the councillors and management to ensure Kuching South city area are well looked after.
He also advised MBKS’ newly appointed councillors to fully dedicate themselves to the people of the city.
“As far as MBKS is concerned, when somebody becomes a councillor, I expect the individual to fully dedicate himself to the people of Kuching city. That’s very important.
“Don’t just accept the appointment and take the title. Everybody have to work together with the mayor as a team and think of how to make Kucing city south a better place,” he said.
Chan pointed out that local authorities represent the government. It is important for councillors to maintain the good image of the Sarawak government.
In regards to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s Sarawak digital transformation agenda and urban renewal programme, he said the city council would have to incorporate this as part and parcel of their planning to meet future needs of the city and its population.
Having been appointed as the MBKS mayor in 2008, Chan said he was happy to have led the city council for over a decade.
”In the beginning, I don’t event know how a mayor should behave but I use my experience to serve the people,” he added. — DayakDaily
