Mayor, local council presidents must play role in driving Melaka's development - CM

MELAKA, Feb 1 (Bernama) -- The mayor and presidents of local councils must play a role in comprehensively improving the administrative system at the local government level to drive Melaka towards a more sustainable development, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali.

He said the main focus should be placed on resolving complaints, improving public facilities and infrastructure, as well as addressing issues faced by petty traders, and solving waste collection and flooding problems in their respective administrative areas.

“We have less than a year to prepare the state for Visit Melaka Year 2024, and therefore, it is hoped that all local authorities (PBTs) will be able to address those issues to make Melaka the cleanest, most beautiful, happiest, and safest state.

 “The state government has identified the measures that need to be implemented by PBTs through various initiatives that can benefit the people,” he said in his speech during the swearing-in ceremony of Melaka mayors and three council presidents in Ayer Keroh, here today.

At the ceremony, Datuk Shadan Othman was sworn in as the mayor of the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB), Saifuddin Abdul Karim as Alor Gajah Municipal Council (MPAG) president, Rosemanizam Mohd Nalif@Zawawi as Jasin Municipal Council (MPJ) president and Datin Sapiah Haron as Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ) president.

Sulaiman said the various awards and recognitions such as the Highest Liveable City and the Sustainable Town Awards received by PBTs in Melaka last year should serve as a yardstick of PBTs’ performance. 

“I urge the newly appointed mayors and presidents to dare to transform for the progress of the PBTs and be able to fulfil their responsibility with full integrity.

“In addition, they must equip themselves with knowledge and understanding of their functions, roles and duties, be sensitive to local government issues, be concerned about local community issues and be aware of local, national and global issues when performing their duties,” he said.

-- BERNAMA