Name change proposal needs discussion, says Penguang

The suggestion by Sibu Rural District Council ( SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai to have the council’s name changed to Sibu District Council requires careful consideration and brainstorming, Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil has said.

“Perhaps, they ( SRDC) could explore the options along the line of Mukah and Dalat District Council or Meradong and Julau District Council.

“My response is, if they are serious in changing the name, they should sit down and brainstorm.

“Make sure that the (new) name would ref lect the actual areas covered by SRDC. Otherwise, if they don’t, for example, if they put maybe, Selangau District Council then they might lose Sibu Jaya. So, they have to be very careful,” he cautioned.

“The other option ( they can explore) maybe like that of Mukah and Dalat District Council because there are two districts, or Meradong and Julau District Council — maybe they can put Sibu Jaya Selangau District Council.

“We always welcome new ideas, but it must be done properly; make sure that the naming reflects the actual areas covered by the council,” he added.

Penguang said if SRDC came up with a proposal, it needed to be submitted to the Ministry of Local Government.

Sempurai suggested the change during SRDC’s appreciation night recently.