PENAMPANG: Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives cum Penampang MP Datuk Ewon Benedick, who has been advocating for the upgrade of Penampang District Council to municipal council status since April last year, is about to see his dreams come true.
This positive news was announced by Deputy Chief Minister II and Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Seri Dr. Joachim Gunsalam today.
He confirmed that Penampang District Council will indeed be upgraded to a Municipal Council.
To mark this significant transition, a countdown event was launched at the Penampang District Council Guest House.
This event symbolizes the transformation of the council into the Penampang Municipal Council.
Dr. Joachim emphasized the importance of a smooth transition period to ensure that administrative changes and service delivery can be effectively implemented in line with the upgrade.
He extended his well wishes and congratulations to Francis Chong, the Chairman of the Penampang District Council, and Robert Malangkig, the Executive Officer, for their successful leadership in obtaining approval for the council’s upgrade.
Looking ahead, Dr. Joachim expressed his hope that the members of the Penampang District Council will uphold efficient and high-integrity governance.
He also urged them to carry out their assignments with efficiency and effectiveness, adopt digital service delivery processes to streamline operations, focus on improving services by boosting the local economy and exploring new sources of revenue, and implement sustainable financial management.
Dr. Joachim stressed the importance of these factors in driving the development of the Penampang Municipal Council.
He acknowledged that managing a council is a challenging task, especially in an active district like Penampang.
However, he believes that with the right approach, the council can become a sustainable and successful entity that directly serves the community.
Among those present were Assistant Minister I, Sabah Ministry of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Isnin Aliasnih; Member of the State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) N.25 Kapayan, Mrs. Jannie Lasimbang; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Sabah Housing, Datuk Dr. Jamili Nais; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Datuk Norlijah Hj Danin; Members of the National Assembly, Senator Datuk John Ambrose and Senator Datuk Noraini Idris.
