MBKS still has room to improve — Dr Sim
KUCHING: Kuching South City Council ( MBKS) still has a lot of rooms to improve, and to detach itself from all the negative labels directed at them over alleged poor city management.
Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said MBKS, being the largest of 26 local councils in Sarawak, should perform beyond the expected standards.
“I have lived long enough and I still hear the same complaints about roads with potholes, grasses not cut, broken streetlights, rubbish not cleared and collected. What does it mean?” he asked MBKS staff at the recital and signing of corruption-free pledge at t hei r he adqua r t er s her e yesterday.
Mayor Datuk James Chan, deputy mayor Hilmi Othman, acting secretary Tay Guan Huat and Malaysian Anti- Corruption Commission ( MACC) Sarawak deputy director Zulhairy Zaidel were among those present.
“It means we are not making significant improvement, perhaps a little but not up to the level that could have minimised all the complaints,” Dr Sim said.
He also wanted better jobs done, small they may be at times but one that could create a positive impact on the city as well as the people’s lives.
“As the largest council, you are the ‘ taiko’ ( big brother) so you must set examples for the other 25 locals councils. All eyes are on you, not only on the mayor but also the secretary, councillors, enforcers and even the contractors.
“You need to carry out your duties and responsibilities exceptionally well. Whatever positions you hold, you are all leaders. That’s why MBKS plays very important role,” he added.
Dr Sim also expressed his disappointment with the public associating MBKS with roads with potholes, broken streetlights, rubbish not collected and all the bad image of the city.
“I know MBKS is a serviceoriented front-line agency so we must do better to improve this perception of being an eye sore,” he said.
Local councils, he said, play many roles to ensure a healthy and happy city — from catching street dogs to looking after hawkers and proper waste management.
“Be proud of your job and be a part of MBKS. Taxpayers like you and I deserve better services so we need to do better.
On the recital and signing of corruption-free pledge, Dr Sim said there’s nothing to be worried about because good work culture was always being practised.