The BDC councilors in a photo call with Nansian (seated centre) after the swearing-in ceremony. — Photo by Chimon Upon

Nansian (centre) flanked by Ranum on his right and Nissom witnessing one of the councillors signing his appointment letter.

Bau District Officer Wong Hee Sieng as council chairman (front) leads other councilors in taking their oath of office.

BAU: The state Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties are urged not to dwell on the appointment of councillors anymore because everyone should have understood how the selection process works.

Assistant Minister of Community Development Datuk Peter Nansian said the appointment of councilors was made based on recommendation of the local elected representatives to the government.

“There were some confusions and comments made in the media about the appointment.

“The truth is that the government has agreed during a meeting earlier that priority is given to the local elected representatives to recommend someone to sit in the council. That someone must be able to with together with the council to serve the people better.

“How can we appoint somebody who cannot work with us? So the government has agreed to give priority to the local elected representatives to recommend someone whom they think are capable.

“In the case of Bau District Council I have been given the task to recommend individuals to sit in the council. I am the YB representing the government in Bau.”

As such, elected representatives in other areas cannot interfere in councils outside of their jurisdiction, he added.

“So please, do not waste your time dwelling on the issue (appointment of councilors) anymore.

“What is more important now is for the councilors to work
together with their elected representatives, the government servants and the people under their care,” he said.

Opar assemblyman Ranum Mina and a political secretary to the Chief Minister Datuk Wilfred Nissom were among those present at the function.