Ministry holds appreciation dinner for outgoing senior staff

KUCHING: The Ministry of Local Government and Housing recently hosted an appreciation dinner for the ministry’s outgoing permanent secretary Datu Bakrie Zaini and deputy permanent secretary Susan Loh, who both retired at the end of 2019.

The event which was held at the Grand Margherita Hotel on Monday was attended by its minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, who expressed his gratitude to both Bakrie and Loh for their contributions while serving the ministry.

In showing the ministry’s gratitude and appreciation, the minister and council secretaries presented both of them with mementos.

Speaking at the event, Dr Sim described Bakrie and Loh, who both had 30 years experience in the local government level and the State Civil Service, as having vast experience in managing local authorities.

“They were able to put their knowledge to enhance the administration of the local authorities and address the housing development issues in the state.

“Their familiarity with the issues at hand has made the working relationship comfortable at all levels and making the implementation of ministry initiatives and policies easier,” said Dr Sim.

Datu Antonio Kathi Galis is now the new permanent secretary of the ministry, having taken over the post from January 2, 2020. Antonio is the former director of Administration Unit of the Chief Minister’s Department.

Besides sitting as a former director of Administration

Unit in the Chief Minister’s Department, he also has background on local authority spanning 25 years.

He joined Miri Municipal Council as assistant secretary in 1985 and was promoted to become the Municipal and City secretary from 2002 until 2010 before moving to join the State Civil Service as Miri Resident on November 1, 2010.

Present during the dinner were Dr Sim’s wife Datin Sri Enn Ong Siok, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, Antonio, Bakrie and his wife Datin Aisah Eden, Loh, Miri mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, Padawan Municipal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council chairman Dato Peter Minos and Sibu Municipal Council chairman Clarence Ting.