Wee (left) and deputy mayor Datuk Zaiedi Suhaili serve MBKS staff at the gathering. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (April 16): Winning the hearts of the people must remain the guiding purpose of public service, said Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
He said this objective can only be achieved when unity is translated into consistent action in daily public service delivery.
“Unity alone is not enough. Unity must be lived. It must be practised and defended. And we defend it through how we serve.
“We uphold unity through integrity in our work by ensuring prudent use of public funds as every ringgit belongs to the people. We reinforce it through compassion in service, particularly in addressing the pressures of rising living costs,” he said at the council’s ‘Gong Xi Raya’ celebration here.
“Treat all citizens fairly and with respect. That is how we earn public trust and win hearts.”
Wee said the celebration reflects Sarawak’s unity in diversity, where different communities come together in mutual respect.
He added that ‘Gong Xi Raya’ is a reflection of Kuching’s multicultural harmony and shared identity.
“In a world that too often draws lines between us, we choose to erase them. In a time where others divide, we choose to unite,” he said.
The mayor noted that global conflict and economic uncertainty continue to have indirect impacts on local communities, including rising costs of living.
He said the tensions in the Middle East is a reminder that instability anywhere can affect lives everywhere.
In this regard, he stressed that public service must remain focused on strengthening trust, resilience, and unity within the community.
“We are preparing not for a war of weapons, but for a battle for the hearts of our people ― a battle to preserve trust and ensure that, no matter what challenges come, our community stands strong, united and hopeful.”
Wee added that every level of MBKS staff contributes to public trust — from frontline officers to technical and administrative personnel.
He also said Sarawak’s strength lies in its longstanding culture of respect and coexistence.
“We chose respect over suspicion, understanding over anger, and to sit at the same table to celebrate each other’s festivals, to stand together not only in times of joy but also in times of difficulty,” he said.
He added that leadership in public service is ultimately defined by trust earned through consistent action on the ground.
“Therefore, we must continue to serve with honesty even when no one is watching, and protect the harmony that makes this city unique. This is our calling, responsibility, and strength.”
