Dr Sim hopes to see Miri continue to develop, prosper
MIRI: Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian hopes to see Miri City continue to develop and prosper to realise its vision to be ‘ The Most Liveable Resort City’.
He reminded that the social aspects are equally important indicators on the liveability of a city and the government, local authority and citizens have their own role to play towards building a liveable city.
“The local authority has a very important role in creating a good quality of life for the areas under its jurisdiction as it has a direct interaction with the citizens and this is one area that should be capitalised on.
“Such collaboration must be promoted particularly in areas that really need community participation.
“By engaging the community, citizens will be able to participate and be involved in the planning and implementation of community programmes in order to better suit their expectations,” he said in his speech at the launching ceremony of the 12th Miri City Day at Miri City Fan here on Saturday.
He emphasised that to grow into such congenial city from a small coastal town in a relatively short period of time was due to Miri’s visionary leaders whose determination, drive and motivation had translated their vision into reality as Mirians could see now.
Dr Sim pointed out that Miri is an evolving entity shaped and vitalised by the energy and industriousness of its people, compatible with this year’s celebration theme ‘ Miri Uniquely Borneo’. From the early days of oil explorers to the timber merchants and latter day captains of industries, Miri grew as a result of the pioneering spirit of its people, which is a harmonious mix of indigenous ethnic groups and people across borders who have come to fi nd a new life, work and settle in Miri, he said.
“Today, Mirians of various ethnic groups are able to enjoy the prosperity generated by the development of a wide spectrum of business opportunities, live in comfortable houses, take pleasure in leisure activities in the city’s expansive green parks and modern sport facilities and indulge in shopping at pleasant air- conditioned malls. Also, Mirians can get good quality education at the higher learning institutions,” he said.
Dr Sim congratulated Miri City Council for diligently nurturing and guiding its citizens to be proactively involved in the advancement of the city by introducing programmes that are inclusive and beneficial for all.
A lso present at the ceremony were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Women, Family and Childhood Development Rosey Yunus, Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting, mayor Adam Yii, deputy mayor Julaihi Mohamad and former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan.