SIBU: A total of 32 councillors of the Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) were officially sworn in on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the 2025–2028 term, featuring a balanced mix of experienced members and new appointees.

The swearing-in ceremony, held at the SRDC Meeting Room, 18th Floor, Wisma Sanyan involving nine new appointments and 23 reappointments, was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian.

SRDC Chairman, Councillor Sempurai Petrus Ngelai was also reappointed for a period of one year from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. 

He said the new composition was a balanced combination of experience and new spirit which he believed could strengthen local governance in a progressive and inclusive manner.

“I believe this dynamic combination of diverse perspectives will inject innovative ideas into SRDC, while retaining wisdom and experience to guide the council in policy formulation,” he said in his speech.

Sempurai also expressed his desire to strengthen community engagement through a grassroots approach, in addition to improving the council’s service delivery in terms of infrastructure, environmental health and waste management.

He stressed that the mission of SRDC is also aligned with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030) towards more inclusive and sustainable growth.

“We strive to foster dignity, integrity and commitment in the public service because we are here to serve the people with humility and full responsibility,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Wong Ching Yong was also re-appointed as Deputy Chairman of SRDC.

For this term, the councillors consist of representatives from the four component parties of the state government, namely Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) with seven members, Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) with 12 members, Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) with five members and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) with eight members. -UKASnews