KUCHING (April 12): The elevation of the Serian District Council (MDS) to a Municipal Council will be a key focus for its incoming chairman, Dato Peter Minos.
Minos said he will make full use of his previous experience as Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman to achieve this new goal.
“My 10-year experience in fast-growing and fast-developing Samarahan will come in handy.
“With the support from my fellow councillors and staff, I am confident we can do it. And of course with guidance and assistance from the higher-ups and other government agencies,” he said today.
Minos served as MPKS chairman from 2016 until recently.
Prior to that, he was Walikota (mayor) of the Samarahan District Council for a year, just before it was upgraded to municipal status.
He officially began his new role at MDS on April 1 and said his current task is to lead and restructure the council in preparation for its potential elevation.
Apart from trying to achieve municipal status, Minos said he will also work on securing a new headquarters building for MDS and to identify tourism and cultural spots to develop in Serian.
“After hearing it from the YBs (elected representatives) in Serian and the Resident, Serian is fast developing with many kind of projects, some of which have been given to MDS to undertake.
“We will focus on implementing these projects, which means no delays and no procrastination, the people want things done fast and on time,” he said.
Minos also mentioned that the swearing-in ceremony for MDS councillors will likely take place sometime next week, pending confirmation from the Minister in charge.
Reflecting on his time in Samarahan, Minos said he will miss the place fondly after serving as MPKS chairman for a decade.
Now, at the age of 76, he said he is accepting the appointment as MDS chairman as a new challenge.
“When I was verbally informed two weeks ago by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Karim Hamzah about my new appointment, I thought they were pulling my leg. Turns out, it was all true.
“I cannot reject government’s offer. It is an honour to serve. I take it as a challenge. I will do my best,” he added.
