By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 2: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has warned that it will not hesitate to pursue legal action against individuals or organisations that continue spreading false or defamatory allegations about the council’s financial management despite repeated clarifications.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said MBKS had already addressed claims surrounding its finances through Facebook Live sessions, newspaper reports and social media, but certain parties continued recycling the same figures to mislead the public.
“We have already explained, we have already published the facts, but they are still using the same figures to attack us. I think everyone knows what the intention is,” he told reporters at MBKS building today.
He alleged that some political figures were deliberately using selective financial data to tarnish MBKS’ image and create public distrust towards the local authority.
According to him, critics had failed to distinguish between operational revenue and restricted funds such as government grants and project allocations, which are legally earmarked for specific purposes and cannot be freely spent.
“Maintaining adequate financial reserves is a fundamental responsibility of every well-managed local authority.
“Such reserves ensure the continuity of essential services, fund long- term infrastructure and enable the Council to respond to future obligations and emergencies,” he added.
He also dismissed accusations that MBKS had neglected public services, saying the council continues investing in roads, drainage, flood mitigation, public health, waste management, parks, Smart City initiatives and community development programmes.
Touching on complaints over infrastructure, Wee explained that major drainage and road upgrading projects costing millions of ringgit could not be financed solely through assessment tax collections.
Instead, such projects require phased implementation under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), beginning with feasibility studies, planning and documentation before construction.
“There is no local council that has completed every road and every drain. These are ongoing works,” he pointed out.
Wee said criticism could be constructive if presented fairly, but rejected what he described as repeated attempts to distort facts after the council had already provided explanations.
He added that MBKS had exercised restraint in responding to the allegations, but warned that continued publication of false or defamatory claims could result in legal proceedings.
“If any individual or organisation continues to publish or circulate allegations that are false, misleading or defamatory after the true factual position has been made clear, MBKS will not hesitate to pursue all legal remedies available,” he stressed. — DayakDaily
