Wee Hong Seng sworn in for new term as Kuching South Mayor - Borneo Post Online (2025)

KUCHING (April 11): Datuk Wee Hong Seng was officially sworn in for a new term as Mayor of Kuching South at a ceremony held at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Chamber today, confirming his reappointment to the post.

Joining him in his reappointment was Dato Dr Zaiedi Suhaili, who will continue to serve as Deputy Mayor.

Additionally, eight new councillors took their oaths today, strengthening the MBKS team.

With 22 other councillors reappointed, the council now comprises a total of 30 members.

The new councillors are Shaukat Khan Ishtiaq Hussain Khan, Mohamed Akram Mohamed, Russel, Geramong Wilson, Ariff Ikhwani MutahEe, Stefanie Evelyn Inte Bubong, Mohd Syafiq Mohammad Razali, John Wong Chiew Shin, and Wendy Earnest Sadan.

The reappointed councillors are Albert Tay, Andy Tan, Bong Siak Peng, Candida Entri, Chai Ju Loon, Drahman Jaladin, Eric Tay, Isaac Lee, Jong Jia Chee, Judy Kho, Hemang Yu Abit, Kiing Sie Ying, Liew Leong Yee, Misiah Abdullah @ Emiss Berudi, Othman Bujang, Sa’amah Bojeng, Salina Mohammed Salleh, Dato Shankar Ram Pohumall Asnani, Thomas SIM, Wilfred Mujah Aton, Wung Duk Ying, and Roy Percival Rentap.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, also the state Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, attended the swearing-in ceremony.

In his address, he emphasised the councillors’ significant role as the third tier of government, representing the people on the frontlines.

He reminded them that their responsibilities extend beyond municipal complaints, such as street light repairs, to policymaking, enforcing fines, and ensuring public safety.

“You are not just ordinary councillors – you are special,” he said, adding that their role goes beyond handling municipal complaints such as faulty street lights or road damage.

“You are also policymakers; you have the authority to formulate major policies, impose fines, and set conditions to ensure public safety and governance,” he said.

He noted that councillors have unique powers, citing an example where they hold authority even in situations where police may not be able to act, citing the recent incident of the collapsed wall of a Pandungan corner shoplot.

“Only the councillor has the power to go in, the police can only go in unless there’s a crime being committed or suspected crime to be committed.

“Otherwise, police do not have the authority to go in and so, all the councillors have very heavy responsibilities,” he said.

Dr Sim also praised MBKS for its commitment to international standards, highlighting initiatives like Unicef Child-Friendly Cities, WHO Aged-Friendly Cities, and environmental programs such as Carbon Zero, Green City, and Smart City development.

“All other councils in Sarawak are looking at you, MBKS is the big brother,” he said.

He urged the new councillors to collaborate closely with the city council staff, who have received bonuses in recognition of their efforts in preparing for Sarawak’s transformation by 2030.

“It’s going to be a different Sarawak, and not only the mindset, the type of things that you’re doing in 2015, and the type of things that you’re doing in 2025 are not the same anymore.

“By 2030, it’s even going to be very different, so our mindset with Sarawak must be ready, otherwise it cannot keep up with the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg),” said Dr Sim.

He also acknowledged the contributions of former councillors and encouraged them to stay connected with the MBKS family.

“You’re still part of the MBKS family. Don’t immediately change your phone number!” he quipped.

Among those present at the swearing-in ceremony were Vice Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching, Song ChangHong; Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching Raden Sigit Witjaksono; Kuching North Datuk Bandar Dato Hilmy Othman; state Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan; Chief Political Secretary to Premier Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman; and permanent secretary to the state Public Health, Housing and Local Government Ministry, Datu Elizabeth Loh.