Historic first oath-taking of Kota Marudu District Council

KOTA MARUDU, Mar 19 (Daily Express) -- Sixteen of the 18 member line-up of the new Kota Marudu district council were sworn in before Kota Marudu MP Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili and district officer Luvita Koisun, who is also Council Chairman, Tuesday.

Addressing the councillors, Dr Ongkili stressed the need for the Council to set key result areas and key performance indexes as their targets for the next two years during the term of their appointment.

He also suggested that they get closer to the people, including having open sittings at least twice a year.

The swearing-in of the councillors is historical because this is the first time Kota Marudu has a full Council of its own. For the past 25 years it has been a joint council with the Pitas district. Pitas recently separated to have its own District Council.

Dr Ongkil also urged the councillors to continue to work professionally and diligently to make Kota Marudu town a clean, safe and attractive place to do business.

"I hope you will also ensure the level of services meets the expectation of rate payers.

Councillors should also be close to the people and organise more 'turun padang' (grassroots programmes) with rate payers," he said.

Dr Ongkili also suggested that the Council conduct open sittings where rate payers could attend and observe proceedings and discussions.

The swearing-in was also attended by Tandek assemblywoman Anita Baranting and Matunggong Assemblyman Sarapin Magana, Barisan Nasional component party leaders and heads of departments and agencies in the district.