By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Aug 1: Kuching deserves serious leadership focused on solutions and progress, rather than endless performance, said Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng as he called for unity and shared responsibility in shaping the city’s future.
Wee said that while accountability remained important, efforts to improve the city must go beyond criticism and focus on meaningful action.
“MBKS welcomes questions, evidence, and practical suggestions. Our doors remain open to every elected representative who genuinely wishes to work with us. But those who demand accountability from others must also be accountable for the accuracy of their own statements.
“Kuching deserves serious leadership, not endless performance,” he said when speaking at the 38th Kuching Commemoration Day 2026 held at MBKS Theatre today.
Wee said Kuching’s progress over the past 38 years was built through continuous efforts, shared responsibility, and clear direction, transforming the city from a quiet riverside administrative centre into an internationally recognised city known for its food, heritage, crafts, cleanliness, inclusivity, and quality of life.
He stressed that a city’s success should be measured not only by physical development but also by how it serves its people, adding that city leaders must ensure development benefits the people, guided by compassion, resilience, and sustainability to secure a better future for generations to come.
Additionally, he said local authorities played a crucial role in translating government policies into everyday improvements for residents.
“The Sarawak government sets the direction, while local authorities translate that direction into daily life. We are where a major policy eventually becomes a repaired drain, a cleaner market, a safer road, a digital licence, a recycling programme or a more inclusive public facility,” he added.
Wee said MBKS would continue to strengthen service delivery through its Five Rs approach: Resident Centric, Responsive, Reliable, Resourceful, and Resilient.
He also highlighted the dedication of local government officers who often work beyond normal hours to respond to public needs.
Meanwhile, Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) mayor Dato Hilmy Othman said Kuching had evolved from a city rich in history into a progressive, competitive, and internationally recognised city over nearly four decades.
He said DBKU, established following Kuching’s city proclamation, continued to shoulder the responsibility of administering and driving development in northern Kuching.
Hilmy said both city councils shared the same goal of ensuring Kuching’s development was carried out comprehensively and sustainably, with the well-being of the people as the priority.
“Together, we are building not only a city, but a legacy, a city that represents Sarawak’s aspirations, resilience, and hopes for generations to come,” he said.
The programme was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian representing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Office (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU, and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni; MBKS deputy mayor Dato Dr Zaiedi Suhaili; and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai. — DayakDaily
