SIA thanks State Govt for Indian representation in SMC
SANDAKAN: Sandakan Indian Association (SIA) President Taren Sunil Manoharan thanked the Sabah Government for appointing a member of the local Indian Community to be a councilor in the Sandakan Municipal Council.
“We are delighted that the new State Government has given us the opportunity to play a direct and active role in contributing towards the progress and development of Sandakan,” said the SIA President who was recently sworn in as one of the new SMC councillors.
Describing the appointment as a great honour and recognition for Sandakan Indian Association and the local Indian Community in general, the SIA president pledged to do his best to serve all Sandakan residents.
For quite some time, the Indian community in Sabah, particularly Sandakan, had been appealing to the previous State Government and local authorities for representation in either local councils or advisory boards to give them a platform to air their views.
“We are thankful that our appeal has finally been answered by the new State Government. It is a very pleasant surprise for the local Indian community, especially with Deepavali coming up,” said Taren Sunil.
He also pointed out that SMC President Datuk Peter Hii has expressed his determination to bring back the glory days of Sandakan when it was known as Little Hong Kong and as one of the councillors, he will go all out to support the president.
“Sabah is now in good hands with the State Government under our caring Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal and SMC led by an experienced and successful businessman in the person of Datuk Peter Hii.
“I can foresee steady progress on all fronts being achieved both at the state and Sandakan levels,” he said.
Taren also stressed that he, like his fellow councillors, will be working for the good of all residents in Sandakan and not for any particular community.
“Although I am new to the role, I will be working hand in hand with everyone in the Council for the benefit of society as a whole, especially the residents of Sandakan,” he emphasized.