Dr Sim working out recommendation for local council posts — for a start

KUCHING: Newly appointed Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian is working out the list of mayors, council chairmen and councillors.

Besides that as a president of SUPP, he has to recommend the party’s state assemblymen for assistant ministerial posts and political secretary appointments.

“I am now working out (the list of) assistant ministers, mayors, councillors. What is most important is how to be effective in the new government to make sure it works well for the people.

“We want to talk less and do more and get on to do the work,” Dr Sim told the media after the swearing-in ceremony held at the State Assembly Complex yesterday.

He thanked the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem for appointing him as the Minister of Local Government Sarawak even though he is a first time assemblyman.

“This is unprecedented. This is a portfolio that will enable my team and I to fulfill our manifesto in terms of bringing much needed development to the Rakyat of our constituencies.

“Some may have expected a larger portfolio to be handed to SUPP but as CM said he is not happy with the Chinese representation in his government (unless changes in the Sarawak constitution) but this is the best we can do for the time being.

“Sarawak history has shown that when the landscape changes, cabinet reshuffles are carried out to cater to the needs of the people. In this regard, CM Adenan is a good listener, and I trust that he will listen to the Chinese community.”

On whether he was disappointed that he was not appointed deputy chief minister, he simply said he will “move on”.

“The chief minister said he was not happy with the Chinese representation. That means that there will be adjustment. I don’t know what he has in mind. It is yet to be discussed now that there is an increase in the number of representatives.”

“And (Chinese) representation is not just in cabinet level, (it is) also in assistant ministers, political secretaries, mayors and councillors. This is just the beginning,” said Dr Sim.

The two-year terms of councillors of the 24 local councils in the state ended last year December but were extended to June 30 as it was too near the state election.

 

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