PENAMPANG: Deputy Chief Minister II cum Minister of Housing and Local Government, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the district is ready for Municipal Council status and expects the transition to be complete within three months.
Now managed by a District Council, he said, it would result in better and more services to residents. “It is still not decided as to who will be the first President of the Municipality.
“However, there will be an increase in the number of councillors comprising professionals who can really help the Municipal Council,” he said, Tuesday.
He thanked District Council Chairman Francis Chong and Executive Officer Robert Malangkig for making the elevation possible.
He hoped Council members would exercise efficient and high-integrity governance, digitise service delivery for stakeholders, find new revenue sources as well as implement sustainable financial management.
“These are very important to drive the development of a PBT (municipality),” he said, adding any decision or policy that is implemented must get feedback with the involvement of community leaders.
As for the expected increase in assessment rates, he said, the matter is still being addressed. Hence, none would be collected initially.
“This issue is not finalised yet please don’t jump the gun”, he said, after launching the countdown of 90 days for the upgrade.
It is understood that coupon parking would be introduced within one or two months but it was undecided whether the parking collection should be privatised or better handled by existing Council staff.
He said other matters to be resolved include the district’s boundary. Previously, the District Officer reported to the Ministry of Rural Development.
However, as a Municipality he would report to the Local Government and Housing Ministry.
Joachim said most of the functions of Council and District Office would merge. The Staff would also expect changes
“There will be departments to look after rural areas. Functions and duties will be more challenging due to expectations from the public,” he said.
“Existing staff of both the Council and District Office will have to increase their performance including in digitalisation.
“This will reduce the need for ratepayers to come to the office by using computers and smartphones instead.
“The council also has assets which can be developed by itself or via joint venture which can improve the economy. Rates must also be collected fully to attain self-sufficiency which is a priority,” he said.
Present were Deputy Minister of Local Government Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, Assemblywoman Janie Lasimbang, Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Norlijah Danin, Senators Datuk John Ambrose and Datuk Noraini Idris, Council Executive Officer Robert Malangkig and Penampang MP representative Carl Mosoom.
