Be more proactive, Chief Minister urges district council members
Published on: Fri, May 09, 2025
By: R Gonzales Text Size: Hajiji presenting the Letter of Appointment to a Tuaran District Council member. Tuaran: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said it is important for district council members to play an active and integrity-driven role in supporting the implementation of the State's development policies. He said district council members should not only function as conduits for public feedback but also act as effective implementation agents for government initiatives, particularly the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan. 'District council members must be more proactive in delivering services to the people, equipped with knowledge and fully aware of their functions, roles and responsibilities. 'This will facilitate the smooth implementation of government policies, ensuring that aid and development programmes reach the people efficiently and transparently,' he said at the presentation of appointment letters and swearing-in of 2025–2027 Tuaran District Council Members, here, Thursday. Hajiji said the success of the SMJ Development Plan hinges on the collective commitment of all stakeholders, including local government authorities and district council members who must work closely with the State Government to disseminate information on policies, initiatives and government assistance to the grassroots communities. He listed several development initiatives currently underway or planned for Tuaran, including upgrades to basic infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supply, tourism development and the strengthening of local entrepreneurship. 'No matter how large the development allocation is, it will be meaningless without efficient delivery. District council members must go to the ground, see the people's issues first-hand and act with full integrity, sincerity and transparency,' he said. He also called on district council members to serve as a bridge between the people and the Government, bringing public concerns to the administrative level and ensuring that every government policy and programme is understood and accepted by the community. He noted that the new Tuaran District Council members come from diverse backgrounds, including former civil servants, business people, youth leaders and representatives of non-governmental organisations, representing the voices of four State Legislative Assembly areas, namely, Sulaman, Pantai Dalit, Tamparuli and Kiulu. He expressed confidence that this diversity would be a strength in formulating policies and comprehensively addressing the needs of the people. Also present were State Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim, Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Tuaran Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, Pantai Dalit Assemblyman Datuk Jasnih Daya and Tuaran District Officer Herman Tunggiging. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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