Sibu Rural District Council Office / Christina Bunsi Jelian

Sibu Rural District Council was constituted and vested with an executive power on 1.1.1952, after initially undergoing an experimental stage known as the Dayak Local Authority from 1.1.1950 to 31.12.1951. In the early stage of its experimental formation, the members of area community leaders such as Iban Penghulu, Ketua Kampung and Chinese Capitan. Their term of office were determined and decided by the White District Officer, who was simultaneously appointed as the Chairman of the Council until the year 1959.The first experimental election which was purportedly conducted to elect Councilors was held in the year 1960. It was evidently proven to be quite successful. The method began through the simple nomination of potential and popular candidates representing various wards. In exercising the democratic right in the election, only head of the households were eligible to cast their votes within each ward.