District Council Members urged to go the extra mile in their services
- nabalunews
- 8m
- 2 min read
15 May 2025
LAHAD DATU: District Council members must adopt the “going the extra mile” mindset, which signifies a willingness to do more than expected, if they wish to see success and excellence in the local government’s delivery system.
Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, stated that this attitude is what differentiates merely carrying out duties from truly making an impact on the people.
“Going the extra mile means we are willing to give beyond what is asked, and to put in more effort than what is required. This is the key to real success. We cannot simply operate on the usual track, we must dare to go further,” he said when officiating the Appointment Letter Presentation and Swearing-In Ceremony for the Lahad Datu District Council Members for the 2025–2027 session, here today.
Dr Joachim said that in the context of Local Authorities (PBT), this approach means that council members not only carry out their basic responsibilities but also go to the ground to hear the voices of the people, proactively resolve local issues, and constantly seek ways to improve service delivery.
He emphasised that these extraordinary efforts must be accompanied by values such as integrity, trustworthiness, teamwork, and mutual trust.
“I believe that with effort and commitment, teamwork and trustworthiness, the District Council will achieve greater excellence and earn the respect of the people,” he stressed.
He also described his ministry as the “father” guiding the PBTs, who are likened to “children”, to ensure they do not go astray in carrying out their respective functions.
According to him, the PBTs are responsible for delivering their best performance and maintaining the good name of the organisation.
At the ceremony, Dr Joachim also called on all newly appointed council members to always function as a team, working in unison towards the same goal.
“Let there be no one who stops rowing, let alone rows in the opposite direction. If everyone rows in sync, we will reach our destination faster and more smoothly,” he said, using the analogy of an organisation as a boat.
Dr Joachim added that council members should treat every challenge as a learning opportunity and must not be afraid to make decisions for the people’s benefit.
“We must be brave to move forward. Mistakes are not barriers, but guidance. Our task is to ensure that the services received by the people are always the best,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the combination of experience, spirit, and the willingness to go beyond the ordinary among council members would make the Lahad Datu District Council a model institution in Sabah.
Also present were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datuk Dr Jamili Nais; District Council Chairman cum District Officer, Firuz Irzualdeen Benetty Mohd Dzul; and District Council Executive Officer, Jackley Gielbert @ Lontou.
