Limits to Councillor’s powers, says DCM

KOTA KINABALU: Councillors appointed to serve in local authorities have their limits and powers under the Local Government Ordinance 1961, Instruments and Standing Orders.

“Therefore, act on your limits and capacity as a council member,” said Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam when officiating the closing of a seminar on “Roles and Responsibilities of Councillors” at Sabah International Convention Centre here.

 He reiterated that council members’ roles and responsibilities are to convey the public wishes or to get feedback on the services provided by the local authorities.

Additionally, they are responsible for assisting in refining the policy and direction of local authorities to align with national goals. 

Dr Joachim, who is also the Local Government and Housing Minister, highlighted the need for policies to consider public views to prevent future grievances.

To achieve this, councillors must familiarise themselves with local government policy to ensure it aligns with state and federal government policies.

Furthermore, they should understand the current needs of the people and provide explanations regarding new policies.Dr Joachim stated that council members should review the progress of local government administrative management to ensure adherence to the principles and regulations set by the local authorities and the government.

He emphasised that the making, amending, or revoking of by-laws requires the approval of the Local Government and Housing Minister. 

This process ensures that the by-laws serve as a basis and guide for management at the local authorities level, enabling actions to comply with legally authoritative rules and procedures, he said.

According to Dr Joachim, council members act as coordinators  between the government and the people.

“They assist local authorities in policy-making, planning, overseeing programme implementation, and disseminating government policies to the public,” he said.

For the 2023 to 2025 session, a total of 472 new councillors have been appointed, including 278 new faces and 194 reappointed members from the 2020 to 2022 session.

These councillors will lead 25 local authorities throughout Sabah.Also present was Local Government and Housing Ministry, Permanent Secretary Datuk Dr Jamili Nais.

–Wu Vui Tek