KUCHING (April 23): Dato Peter Minos has officially been sworn in as the new chairman of the Serian District Council (MDS), succeeding his previous role as Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman.

Minos was joined by eight newly appointed councillors, including Felix Kunyau Kuna who will serve as MDS deputy chairman, and 24 reappointed councillors – bringing the council’s total membership to 32.

The new councillors are Andrew Sabat, Rojeck Layau, Jamuri Ali, Koring Dadoi, Eric Richard Dampeng and Cindrawella Thomas Porton.

The reappointed councillors are Jifudin Abdullah, Diye Nyanggun, Georgy Lampaah, John David Nyauh, Robin Augustine Kiek, Emmanuel Henry Bujang, Kathlene/Duri Limin, Saidin Abdul Rahman, John Gerep Misang, Andi Gangak, Britten Osup, Pansin Bajah, Chai Kim Sin, Michaelina Richard Riot, Lai Chau Liong, Limko@B’Latok Ales, Denis Ahkow, Micky Bagan, Glenn Ross Ranger@Michael, Kalas Inchap, Collin Raman Nyandang, Rita Inu, Miguel Durim Namu and Alvin Jeromeo Duncan.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minos shared that he initially declined the role but later accepted it after receiving encouragement from local community members.

He pledged to lead with openness and responsiveness, ensuring the council listens to the needs of the people to drive development in Serian.

He expressed his intention to elevate MDS to municipal status, similar to MPKS, pending approval from both the state and federal governments and also proposed the construction of a new headquarters to accommodate the council’s growing staff.

“It is high time for MDS to have a new headquarters as the current building is too small and crowded with over 100 staff,” he said.

He also urged councillors to collaborate closely with the District Office and relevant agencies to avoid delays caused by misunderstandings and mistrust.

“Delays result in procrastination, and when that happens, the people on the ground begin to feel that our work is being neglected. That’s why collaboration is essential. Whether you like each other or not is secondary, we must work together,” he stressed.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn and permanent secretary to the state Public Health, Housing and Local Government Ministry Datu Elizabeth Loh.

Sagah, in his speech, reminded councillors of their key role in implementing Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) projects and other initiatives under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA).

He noted that although GKCDA was established over a year ago, little progress has been made.

“It has been a year and a half since GKCDA was established, and yet no funds have been spent. If we don’t begin utilising the allocated funds, we risk losing them,” he stressed.

“With the new leadership and experience brought in from Samarahan by Dato Peter Minos, I trust he will help us accelerate the rollout of these projects,” he said.

He added that councillors must act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the community, ensuring issues raised by the public are brought to the attention of the right authorities.

Also present were deputy minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan, deputy minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben, Serian MP Dato Richard Riot, and other dignitaries.