Kuching: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) needs to enforce regulations fairly, respond to public complaints promptly, and avoid actions that suggest political bias, says the Democratic Action Party (DAP).
Michael Kong Feng Nian, Special Assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, issued the statement on behalf of DAP Sarawak, criticising what he called double standards in MBKS’s approach to enforcement.
He pointed to the council’s recent remarks about 28 MyKiosk units in Tabuan Jaya, which have remained vacant for over six months.
“MBKS claims they had been engaging with prospective traders, but after they declined, now enforcement action would follow. But why did that engagement only come after half a year?
“This delay doesn’t reflect efficient governance. Compare that to how swiftly MBKS acted against DAP’s party flags, the contrast is glaring,” Michael Kong said.
He referred to a recent incident in which DAP had displayed party flags ahead of a fundraising dinner at Theatre Hotel.
He said MBKS enforcement officers removed the flags by the following morning without any prior notice or attempt to communicate.
“That kind of speed and certainty is impressive – until you realise it only happens when DAP is involved.
“Where was that urgency when it came to long-term community issues or actual regulatory violations?” he asked.
Michael Kong also raised the case of Tabuan Tranquility, where residents have repeatedly complained about a private home operating bone-and-joint therapy business.
“The business has allegedly caused traffic congestion and daily disruptions, yet continues to operate despite numerous complaints lodged with MBKS.
“If MBKS is truly committed to public service, then community complaints – not political party activities – should be the priority.
“Residents feel ignored. That’s unacceptable,” he said.
In his statement, Michael Kong called on MBKS to adopt three fundamental principles in its approach to governance:
1. Engage first – Initiate timely and sincere dialogue with all stakeholders, whether they are residents, businesses, or political organisations.
2.Enforce fairly – Apply rules transparently and without discrimination, regardless of political alignment.
3. Avoid political misuse – Ensure that enforcement mechanisms are not used to suppress opposition or reward allies.
“Local government must be the most accessible and impartial form of governance. MBKS cannot pick and choose when to act based on political considerations. Kuching residents deserve better,” Michael Kong concluded.
needs to enforce regulations fairly, respond to public complaints promptly, and avoid actions that suggest political bias, says the Democratic Action Party (DAP).){kind=link}