Dr Sim: Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025 to boost councillor numbers, improve local governance

Borneo Post

20-05-2025

Dr Sim opines that the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025 will allow for greater local representation at the grassroots level. – Ukas photo
KUCHING (May 20): The Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025 is a crucial step forward in strengthening local governance and ensuring that the voices of Sarawakians are better represented and heard, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Tabling the Bill for its second reading during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the amendments were timely and necessary to address the growing and evolving needs of Sarawak's urban and rural communities.
'The latest amendment to the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996 (CAP 20) was made in 2020. It is now considered necessary to update the provisions in the Ordinance to keep up with current developments and meet the expectations of our time,' he said.
He also revealed that currently, there are 27 local councils under the purview of his ministry, including the newly established Gedong District Council, Sebuyau District Council and Siburan District Council, all of which are governed through the councillorship system.
He noted that with rapid population growth, especially in areas under major councils such as city and municipal councils, the demands of residents have become more complex and diverse.
'To address this, the Bill proposes amendments to Sections 10, 10A and 11 of the Ordinance to increase the number of councillors in five key councils such as Kuching South City Council, Miri City Council, Padawan Municipal Council, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council and Sibu Municipal Council, from 30 to 33, excluding the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Chairman.
'This increase will allow for greater local representation at the grassroots level and ensure that the needs of our communities are better served,' he said.
Another key provision in the Bill he said is the proposed amendment to Section 172A, which will empower the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (State Cabinet) to amend all schedules in the Ordinance more efficiently.
Dr Sim stressed that councillors have taken on significantly expanded roles in recent years, often working beyond normal hours to respond to local issues and public concerns.
'Currently, the city and municipal councils are overburdened by various ward laws, resulting in slow response times and public dissatisfaction with local services,'
'By increasing the number of councillors, we can improve responsiveness, strengthen community engagement, and enhance service delivery to the public,' he said.
He emphasised that councillors are essential policymakers at the local level, responsible for ensuring that community priorities are reflected in council decisions, handling public complaints, advocating for improvements, and upholding service standards.
'The councillorship system promotes inclusive participation and good governance, ensuring that development in Sarawak is people-driven and locally relevant,' he said.
Dr Sim concluded by urging members of the House to support the Bill, saying its passage would help fulfil public expectations for more efficient and effective local government services.