Formal recognition of councils in Ordinance strengthens statutory authority, improves service delivery
By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 20: Formal recognition of Padawan Municipal Council, Miri Municipal Council, and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council in the Ordinance ensures that their authority is not only administrative but statutory, paving the way for more efficient public service delivery.
Highlighting this, Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang described the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill, 2025 as timely and necessary move to strengthen Sarawak’s local government framework and ensure it remains responsive and aligned with Sarawak’s dynamic administrative landscape.
“The Bill removes any ambiguity and reinforces the legal status of these councils as single municipal authorities.
“It is important that we reflect the current realities of governance on the ground — these councils have long been operational, serving growing urban populations and managing increasing responsibilities,” he said when debating at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting today.
Lo, who previously served as chairman of the Padawan Municipal Council, underscored the importance of statutory clarity in enabling local councils to effectively manage functions such as planning approvals, waste management, and infrastructure development.
He added that the Bill introduces a strategic amendment to Section 1(2A) of the Ordinance, empowering the State Cabinet to update the Schedules by notification, without the need to return to the Dewan for every technical adjustment.
“This mechanism enhances administrative efficiency and flexibility, especially for updates involving council names, boundaries, and classifications — which are subject to change as our towns expand, merge, or reorganise,” he explained.
Lo concluded by affirming that the Bill reflects Sarawak’s commitment to good governance, legal empowerment of local authorities, and a more streamlined public administration — and expressed his full support for its passing. — DayakDaily
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