Kuching: Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong Wui Wui yesterday voiced strong concerns in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting over the Local Authorities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which proposes an increase in the number of councillors for several city and municipal councils.
The amendment seeks to raise the number of councillors from 30 to 33 under Sections 10(1)(b)(iii) for the Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Section 10A(1)(c) for Miri City Council, and Section 11(c) for the Padawan, Sibu, and Kota Samarahan Municipal Councils of the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996.
While the numerical change may appear minor, Violet warned that without reforms to councillor performance and accountability, the expansion risks worsening inefficiencies within local governance.
“Appointing more councillors without strengthening their responsibilities and engagement with communities does nothing,” she said, criticising the often invisible role of current councillors across Sarawak.
Violet noted that residents frequently do not know their councillors or how to reach them, and in many opposition-held areas like Padungan and Pending, state assemblypersons (ADUNs) are forced to take on the responsibilities of councillors, such as inspecting infrastructure and addressing public complaints.
She also condemned what she described as a reluctance among some councillors, particularly within MBKS, to engage with Opposition representatives, calling such behaviour “a betrayal of public service” and an “obstacle to effective governance.”
“Despite political differences, we must never forget that we are all here to serve the people. Public service must never be politicised.
“I hope the Honourable Member for Batu Kawah, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, tabling this amendment bill, understands this fundamental principle well.
“Be a statesman, not a petty politician. Lead by example, uphold the dignity of your office, and put an end to the intimidation and partisan pettiness that has no place in a democratic government,” she said.
To address systemic issues, Violet proposed four key reforms to ensure greater accountability and service delivery:
1.Directive for cross-party cooperation
The Ministry must issue a formal directive to all local councils and municipal councils requiring all councillors to work closely with elected representatives, including those from the Opposition. Effective local governance must be built on cooperation and mutual respect, regardless of political affiliation.
2. Mandatory ground engagement
Councillors should be required to conduct regular site visits, participate in community dialogues, and maintain a visible presence within their assigned areas.
3. Performance-based reporting
Quarterly reports should be submitted detailing public complaints received, resolutions made, and community activities undertaken.
4. Complaint tracking system
A publicly accessible online platform should be introduced to track complaints, monitor councillor responses, and improve transparency.
“Let us not merely add to the numbers – let us raise the bar,” Violet concluded, urging the assembly to focus on meaningful reforms over symbolic appointments.
