Bingkor residents empowered to choose village leaders through people-centred approach, says rep

KENINGAU (Jan 17): Residents of Bingkor are being empowered to choose their village leaders following the implementation of a people-centred selection approach for the posts of Village Head and Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairman in Kampung Bunsit on Friday.

Bingkor assemblyman Datuk Mohd Ishak Ayub, accompanied by his wife Datin Tengku Aini Tengku Ibrahim, participated in the candidate selection process for the two posts.

The system gives villagers full authority to select their local leaders, strengthening grassroots democracy and ensuring leadership is based on trust, transparency, and accountability, Mohd Ishak said.

Direct community involvement enhances the effectiveness of village administration and strengthens ties between leaders and residents, he added.

The people-based approach has been gaining traction across Sabah, with Bingkor among the earliest to implement it, he said.

As residents and registered voters of Kampung Bunsit, the couple’s participation reflects their commitment to being active members of the community.

In Bingkor, leadership is chosen by the people, for the people, and carried forward through shared responsibility, Mohd Ishak said.