Community leaders, JKKK reminded of important role as eyes, ears of the govt

SIBU (Nov 1): Community leaders and village security and development committees (JKKK) play an important role to be the eyes and ears of the government to ensure that all development projects are fair and done according to specifications.

In giving this reminder, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang said they all have a responsibility to monitor the development projects in their respective areas which must be implemented according to required specifications.

“I only have a pair of eyes and a pair of ears. It is not enough, so I need as many eyes and ears as possible. We need to listen to the suggestions of the people and what is not right, we must make it right.

“So, I urge all community leaders to report any projects that are delayed and not done according to the specifications so that relevant action can be taken,” he said when officiating at the Sibu Division Integrity Exploration for the Pelawan constituency at Starlink Hotel yesterday.

Giving the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) as an example, the Pelawan assemblyman said the projects are simple, but sometimes during the handing-over some projects were not fully completed.

“And the people complain that the YB (elected representative) has no integrity. I would be embarrassed, not only me, but the Sarawak government would be embarrassed too, because we all know that is not true.

“That is why if the project is under me and this happens, please report to the relevant agencies and I will also make sure that the project is completed according to specifications because we are doing it for the people,” he stressed.

He also urged the community leaders and JKKK to understand the social issues that will destroy the integrity in the community such as crime and drug abuse.

“That’s because integrity is not just tied up to the economic aspect or development, but also involves the prosperity and the safety of the people,” he pointed out.

He also pointed out that integrity is the basis of development and stability in the society, thus it takes a concerted effort and commitment to ensure that this positive value is upheld.

Tiong said he would support any programmes that will instil the spirit of integrity especially among youths, entrepreneurs and athletes to ensure a progressive Sarawak.

He also said that as the Premier is committed to create a prosperous Sarawak through its Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the commitment and cooperation from everyone is a must to ensure that integrity is preserved.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya said integrity is vital to ensure the state can prosper.

“When we talk about integrity, it means everyone must follow the rule of law, there must be transparency and everyone must not commit any corruption,” he reminded.

He also said the Ombudsman unit was created by the state government to allow members of the public to lodge complaints to the authorities on any issues.

“Do not go to Facebook, Facebook will not solve your problems, only relevant government agencies can.

“The reason why we have Ombudsman is because the government also needs information, we are not hiding anything. However, do not slander or make false accusations,” he said.

Also present at the event was Sibu Resident Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman.