New MBPP councillors raring to go

 

A TOTAL of 11 new faces from various backgrounds have been selected as the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillors for the year 2020.

The newcomers are among 24 councillors who will take part in a swearing-in ceremony at the City Hall in Esplanade tomorrow.

Prior the swearing-in ceremony, Buletin Mutiara managed to speak to a few of them.

They have expressed great enthusiasm to serve the people and contribute their inputs to improve basic infrastructure needs for the community.

One of them was Alan Lim Wei Lun, 33, said his appointment was something that never crossed his mind.

He was grateful to be given a chance to serve the people.

Lim is ready to accept responsibility.

“This assignment is not an easy task. I need to quickly learn and deliver my best.

“Enforcement is something needed to be improved to see that a policy is carried out efficiently.

“Nevertheless, I am also keen to look on how to strengthen the existing local bylaws,” said Lim, who is a lawyer by profession.

Abdul Latif Mohamad, 49, also shared his thoughts, pointing out that a local councillor has a heavy responsibility.

However, Latif is ready to shoulder the commitment assigned to him without any fear.

Latif delighted with his appointment.

“Councillor acts as an intermediary between local assemblyman and the community.

“The task given to us is important as we need to tackle the local issues facing the people.

“These local issues need to be addressed efficiently to ensure that the people in the neighbourhood could live comfortably,” said Latif, a special officer to Balik Pulau MP Muhammad Bakthiar Wan Chik, who is also the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Muhd Khairul Mohd Ali, 33, was thankful with his appointment and expressed his delight to be given chance to serve.

Although foreseeing a big task ahead, Khairul said he would strive to play a pivotal role in ensuring the best for the people.

Khairul wants to look into local issues.

“I may not be perfect but I will look into the people’s concern on transport and local issues.

“Everything needs to be resolved at the local issue stage,” he said.

Andrew Chua Thian Chai, 55, shared similar sentiments, saying it was a broad responsibility to be a councillor.

The former chairman of an apartment management committee in Taman Lip Sin said he did not aim for any post or treat his new appointment as a ‘stepping stone’.

Chua wants to look into plight of the people.

“We need to accept criticisms and serve the people wholeheartedly.

“The people’s welfare and plight always remain the priority,” said Chua, who represents an NGO, called ‘Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Penjaja Pulau Pinang dan Seberang Perai’.

Teoh Seang Hooi, who is the chairman of the Penang Former Councillors Association (PMAMPP), offered some valuable advice for the new councillors.

“They should be given enough training in regards to local government bylaws.

“PMAMPP is willing to train and share experiences with these new councillors.

Teoh sharing his advice to the new councillors.

“They need to be humble and learn from their fellow councillors and foster a good working relationship with City Hall staff members,” said Teoh.

Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting