By Chris Teh
Swearing-in ceremony of Ipoh City Council Councillors for the 2019/2021 term was held at the City Council hall on Friday, August 16. The councillors’ appointment is effective from August 1 to July 31, 2021.
Present at the ceremony were Yong Choo Kiong, Executive Councillor for Housing and Local Government and newly-appointed and 11th Mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi. Yong handed over the official appointment letter to 19 re-appointed councillors from Malaysian United Indigenous Party (PPBM), Democratic Action Party (DAP) and National Trust Party (AMANAH).
In his speech, Yong urged the councillors and Ipoh City Council (MBI) to work as a team to face daily challenges.
“The community is becoming more aware and informed of the local council’s responsibilities. Mass media and social websites add further to the challenge,” he said. “Hopefully, MBI will go hand-in-hand with other parties to effectively carry out their tasks.
“To know and understand what are the problems the public and ratepayers are facing, councillors should be physically present at state events,” Yong emphasised, hoping they are more aware of Perakeans’ woes.
He mentioned that the absence of six remaining councillors from the People’s Justice Party and non-governmental organisations will not impact the council’s operations.
“It’s not about filling the quota. Priority should be given to the ones who have high professionalism and are able to give the best service to ratepayers,” Yong explained.
In conjunction with the morning event, the “Kibarkan Jalur Gemilang” programme was also held to celebrate the upcoming 2019 National Day. Council staff from all departments led by Yong gathered under the council porch and waved the Malaysian flag in unison.
“MBI is currently installing 1050 flags and 2330 banners around Ipoh, including the council building,” said Yong. “We’ve requested food and business owners to fly the national flag at their premises as a show of love for the country.”
“As Malaysians, we should be thankful to be living in a country free from war and disasters,” he reiterated. “Every one of us should contribute to the preservation of the country’s harmony and independence.”
