TAWAU: The newly elected Tawau Municipal Council (TMC) councilors were told to work together with TMC president Datuk Ismail Mayakob to bring development to the district, people and future generation.
State Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Hj Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan said being appointed as a councilor is a big responsibility as they play a role in bringing development.
“You should be thankful that you do not need to campaign as you were given the trust by the government. The people’s hopes are great towards councilors,” he said after witnessing the taking of oath by the 24 councilors yesterday.
The councilors who took their oathes were Haji Halik Haji Wahid, Datuk Hj Kassim Aman, Haji Rackey Apna, Haji Mansor Haji Palullah, Saharuddin Salleh, Namah Maidin, Liew Kiam Ming, Hj Mohd Ayaz Khan Yunus Khan, Hjh Halimah Yahya, Lim Meng Heng, Arbine Abu, Shamsul Alam Bawa Omar, Alai Ilahi Baskh, Datu Abdul Rahman Datuk Ismail, Mohd Asis Haji Ali, Chua Kim Hock, Wong Chen Fah, Yapp Yin Hoau, Shim Nyat Yun, Wong Chun Vui, Fun Vun Lip, Sahran Mankati, Liew Nyet Tet and Amir Anuar.
Tawfiq also said councilors determine the council’s current policy and future, and whatever is decided will impact the future generation.
If a wrong decision is made, he warned, it will bring consequences that will be felt, such as the abandoned buildings which are now an eyesore in the municipality due to an error by previous councilors.
“My message to you is to always be conscious and appreciate what’s to be done. Always be sincere and do not be selfish.
“This is a trust and responsibility given by the government. The people are the priority,” Tawfiq said.
He added that councilors are the voice of the people and are also answerable to them.
Meanwhile, Tawfiq said he was happy to see all races being represented among the newly appointed councilors, so that the people’s aspirations could be fulfilled.
“Tawau has a good future but it needs good planning, unlike before where plans were ad hoc and made according to instinct.
“Ensure your decisions are guided by your conscience and not from outside encouragement because you are holding the people’s interests,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were Balung assemblyman Datuk Syed Abas Syed Ali and Tanjung Batu assemblywoman Datuk Hamisa Samat.