By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Nov 24: Given a choice, Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang prefers to stay put to lead MPP to serve Batu Kitang and Batu Kawah folk better.
Lo, who is also Batu Kitang assemblyman, said he had yet to hear from the authorities on his fate as council chairman. The term of chairmanship in 26 local councils in the state expires at the end of next month.
Rumours are rife that Lo will helm Kuching South City Council (MBKS), where the incumbent chairman Datuk James Chan will retire, while Kota Samarahan Municipal Council chairman Datuk Peter Minos will be the next MPP chief.
It is also speculated that Lo’s deputy, Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim, will be promoted to take over from Minos.
“I haven’t heard anything about it. They are just rumours. I hope not because as the chairman of MPP, I can take good care of not only Batu Kitang but Batu Kawah. They are important constituencies, and I am the elected representative there.
So, I definitely hope to stay back at MPP,” said Lo to reporters after officiating at `2019 Budget Forum: New Opportunities, New Challenge’ organised by City Plus FM at a local hotel here today.
Lo said if he were to be moved to MBKS, he would have to take care of Kuching, which is under the Bandar Kuching parliamentary constituency.
But, he was quick to point out, he would leave his future to the state’s top leadership.
“I will leave it to the leaders to decide. Whatever it is, I think our leaders know better. They know what is best for Sarawak,” he said.
During a recent interview with Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian on the same matter, Dr Sim denied any knowledge of the new appointments, but he did not discount the possibilities.
“It is news to me. But anything is possible,” said Dr Sim, who is Batu Kawah assemblyman. — DayakDaily
