KUCHING – The Sarawak Local Authority Conference 2026 concluded on 17 July after two days of discussions centred on strengthening governance, enhancing integrity, and accelerating digital transformation across local councils.
The event, hosted at VOCO Kuching by IHG, was jointly organised by the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit under the Premier’s Department and the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government.
The gathering brought together representatives from local authorities across the state, including the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS), whose Chairman, Deputy Chairman, councillors, and officers actively participated.
The conference was designed to align local governance with the Sarawak PBT 2030 agenda, focusing on accountability, financial transparency, smart city development, and improved service delivery.
The opening day featured a Critical Dialogue Session titled “Strengthening PBT Integrity and Accountability: Driving Impactful Service Delivery”.
This session underscored the importance of integrity and accountability as the foundation of efficient and trusted public services. The Chairman of MPKS moderated the dialogue, highlighting the council’s role in promoting ethical governance.
Attention then shifted to financial management with a Transformation Talk on “PBT Accounting System Integrity towards the Implementation of Accrual-Based Accounting”. The session emphasised the adoption of Malaysian Public Sector Accounting Standards (MPSAS) to ensure greater transparency and accountability in council finances.
A Townhall Session followed, exploring the strategic direction of local authorities under the theme “PBT Sarawak 2030: PBT Strategic Agenda for the Future”. Participants exchanged views on how councils could remain competitive, sustainable, and community-focused in the face of evolving challenges.
Digitalisation was a recurring theme throughout the conference. A forum titled “Digitalisation of Services: Remaining Relevant in Today’s Service Landscape” examined how technology can streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience. The discussion also highlighted the importance of extending digital solutions to rural areas, ensuring inclusivity in service delivery.
The official opening ceremony was held later in the day, officiated by Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian. In his address, he stressed that integrity, innovation, and digitalisation are essential pillars in shaping modern, people-oriented councils.
The second day began with a presentation by the Sarawak Ombudsman titled “Strengthening Complaints Management and Integrity Governance”. The session highlighted the need for a systematic and transparent complaints management framework to reinforce organisational governance and public trust.
Delegates then attended seminar sessions covering three thematic areas, followed by sharing sessions on innovation, governance, and digital transformation. These discussions provided practical insights into how councils can adapt to changing demands while maintaining accountability and efficiency.
MPKS’s involvement in the conference reflected its ongoing commitment to embedding integrity within its operations, empowering governance structures, and advancing digital transformation. The council aims to apply the knowledge gained to improve service delivery for the Kota Samarahan community, ensuring that services remain efficient, transparent, and aligned with public expectations.
The Sarawak Local Authority Conference 2026 ultimately served as a platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strategic planning. By focusing on integrity, financial accountability, and digitalisation, the event reinforced the state’s vision of building resilient, sustainable, and people-centred local authorities under the Sarawak PBT 2030 agenda.
