Deputy Chief Minister cum state Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam (fourth right) presenting the letter of appointment to one of the Penampang District Council member, as Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick looks on (second left).
KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Ewon Benedick has voiced his support for the Penampang District Council to be upgraded to municipal council status.
However, Penampang District Council members have a duty to assist in realising this goal, the Penampang MP said on Thursday (April 13).
He said there were various issues in the district that needed attention and leadership to handle including the upgrading of main roads, environmental and flood issues.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for the new 2023-2025 district council line-up, Ewon said these individuals can execute their roles to complement various efforts by government agencies in developing this district.
"This line-up can determine whether services rendered qualify it to be elevated to municipal council or not.
"But as part of the leadership in the Penampang district, I fully back this ambition and ask the Sabah government to consider the upgrade," said Ewon, who is also Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister.
The event was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister cum state Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, also present was the district council chairman cum Penampang district officer Francis Chong.
Joachim congratulated the 20 appointed district council members and expressed confidence that the Penampang District Council administration and council members would be able to cooperate and provide the best service to the people.
"This appointment is a platform for council members to contribute ideas towards developing Penampang.
"I also urged them to take the initiative to understand the ordinance and by-laws enforced as they are the formal guidelines on how the district council functions for areas under their purview.
"The council members are part of the policy and decision-making level and therefore need to be knowledgeable in this, which will also help them in becoming the intermediary between the district council and the civilians," he added.
