Expedite approved devt projects in Serian, GKCDA chairman tells implementing agencies
Sagah (centre) fields questions from reporters when met after the swearing in ceremony. — Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (April 23): The relevant agencies have been urged to expedite the implementation of over 20 approved development projects in Serian under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) following concerns over delays.
GKCDA chairman Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said this process does not only involve the local council, as land matters typically require the involvement of several other departments once land has been acquired.
'We are calling on all agencies, not just the council, that have been entrusted with implementing these projects, including those under GKCDA and Rural Transformation Project, to expedite their work.
'As you may have heard a few days ago, the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) expressed his dissatisfaction with certain approved projects that have yet to be implemented.
'So, on the same note, we are asking the agencies to expedite all these projects,' he told reporters when met after witnessing the swearing in of Serian District Council (MDS) councillors at a hotel here today.
Earlier in his speech, Sagah, who is also Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, expressed his hope that the projects would progress more quickly with the appointment of new MDS chairman Dato Peter Minos.
He said under the British model adopted by Malaysia, local councils represent the third tier of government.
'As such, you are part of the government and serve as the authority within your own council area.
'Whatever projects that have been done, you also have to help,' he reminded councillors.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
US Warns UK Against Approving New Chinese Embassy in London
MOSCOW: The United States warned British authorities against allowing the opening of a new Chinese embassy in London because of its planned location near the country's important financial centres, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti quoting The Times newspaper, citing sources. The Chinese government purchased a historic building in London six years ago, which used to house the Royal Mint, but has still not been able to obtain permission to open a new embassy there. In January, the Financial Times reported that the UK might allow China to open Europe's largest embassy with a number of conditions. 'The United States is deeply concerned about providing China with potential access to the sensitive communications of one of our closest allies,' a senior US official told the publication. The building where Beijing wants to open the embassy is located between financial centres, as well as next to three important data centres, the newspaper emphasised. According to the publication, US President Donald Trump previously called on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to deny Beijing the opening of an embassy; the issue was raised during trade negotiations. According to the publication's sources, if this embassy is opened, the Trump administration will have concerns about the transfer of intelligence information to the UK. China's plans to build a new Chinese embassy building in the London borough of Tower Hamlets have recently become a separate topic of disagreement between Beijing and London. Local authorities, citing security concerns, refused building permission back in 2022, but in July 2024, Beijing submitted a new application. In December, the London Standard reported that Tower Hamlets Council had unanimously voted against opening a new Chinese embassy building on its territory.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
US warns London against allowing new site for Chinese embassy in UK
MOSCOW: The United States warned British authorities against allowing the opening of a new Chinese embassy in London because of its planned location near the country's important financial centres, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti quoting The Times newspaper, citing sources. The Chinese government purchased a historic building in London six years ago, which used to house the Royal Mint, but has still not been able to obtain permission to open a new embassy there. In January, the Financial Times reported that the UK might allow China to open Europe's largest embassy with a number of conditions. 'The United States is deeply concerned about providing China with potential access to the sensitive communications of one of our closest allies,' a senior US official told the publication. The building where Beijing wants to open the embassy is located between financial centres, as well as next to three important data centres, the newspaper emphasised. According to the publication, US President Donald Trump previously called on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to deny Beijing the opening of an embassy; the issue was raised during trade negotiations. According to the publication's sources, if this embassy is opened, the Trump administration will have concerns about the transfer of intelligence information to the UK. China's plans to build a new Chinese embassy building in the London borough of Tower Hamlets have recently become a separate topic of disagreement between Beijing and London. Local authorities, citing security concerns, refused building permission back in 2022, but in July 2024, Beijing submitted a new application. In December, the London Standard reported that Tower Hamlets Council had unanimously voted against opening a new Chinese embassy building on its territory.
The Sun
15 hours ago
- The Sun
UK and India discuss 'counter-terrorism' cooperation after Pakistan ceasefire
NEW DELHI: Britain and India on Saturday discussed expanding their 'counter-terrorism' collaboration following recent fighting between India and Pakistan, Britain's foreign minister told Reuters after meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. British foreign minister David Lammy is the highest-profile Western official to have visited both New Delhi and Islamabad since the South Asian neighbours agreed to a ceasefire last month after their worst fighting in nearly three decades. The latest tensions began in April after the killing of 26 men in Indian Kashmir that New Delhi blamed on 'terrorists' backed by Pakistan, a charge Islamabad denied. India then attacked what it called 'terrorist infrastructure' in Pakistan, leading to escalation from both sides until a May 10 ceasefire. 'We want the situation to be maintained, but of course we recognise fragility, particularly in the backdrop of terrorism, terrorism designed to destabilise India,' Lammy said in an interview at the residence of the British High Commissioner in New Delhi. 'We are keen to continue to work with our Indian partners on counter-terrorism measures.' He said he discussed the next steps with both Modi and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, but gave no specifics. Last year, India and Britain discussed combating the financing of terrorism, cooperation between law enforcement and judicial bodies and information sharing. Lammy said he also discussed boosting trade between the world's fifth and sixth largest economies. The countries concluded talks for a free trade deal early last month. 'I know that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is very much looking forward to coming to India very soon to sign the free trade agreement,' Lammy said. 'There is so much that our two nations can continue to do together.'
