PKR Sabah unhappy over minimal representation in district councils

KOTA KINABALU: PKR Sabah deputy chief Mustapha Sakmud is unhappy with the appointment of district council councillors as representation from the party is minimal.

“We submitted our list of candidates to be considered as District Council councilors but only a few were appointed. For example, there is only one PKR representative in the Penampang District Council and the same goes to the Kota Belud District Council.

“I was informed that the situation was as disappointing in several other districts,” Mustapha said in a statement yesterday.

He claimed that the imbalanced composition of appointment was not only at the local authorities level but also involved GLCs and UPPM.

“It is PKR’s hope that this will not be the same for the appointment of Ketua Kampung, Ketua Anak Negeri and Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Kampung which is being finalised now so that the close and good cooperation among the parties is reflected,” he stressed.

Mustspha pointed out that PKR members who are professionals want to contribute to the state development and the Malaysia Agenda on all levels.

They also want to ensure that the new government can fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the rakyat who also want to see the Reformasi and Ubah agenda realized in accordance with the contents of the manifesto which was promised to them.

PKR, he stressed is committed to defending the cooperation among parties and will ensure that the new state government will continue to get the mandate from the rakyat.

Meanwhile Mustapha also welcomed Deputy Chief Minister cum Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr jaujan Sambakong’s suggestion to increase the number of professionals appointed as District Council councilors.

“This will not only improve the local authorities’ effectiveness but also provide room for the professionals to contribute ideas to the physical development of the local authorities.

“However, what these candidates will be able to contribute must be taken into consideration when making a decision on their appointment. Suggestions from every party must be looked into and the appointment composition must be fair in order to reflect the good relationship among all,” he opined.