Ewon announces village leadership reforms

KOTA BELUD (Dec 7): From January 2026, the selection of village heads and JKKK (Village Development and Security Committee) chairmen throughout Kadamaian will be carried out through a voting method, said Kadamaian assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick.

“If the people give a mandate to the assemblyman, they also have the right to determine who leads their villages. This is a major reform in the interest of transparency and administrative effectiveness,” he said at the meet the workers gathering with the Kadamaian election machinery at Kadamaian Square here on Sunday.

The Deputy Chief Minister III, who is also the Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, added that the two-year term would give the people an opportunity to assess the performance of village leaders and replace them if they fail to fulfil their entrusted roles and responsibilities.

On the state assemblyman’s allocation, he said every village would receive an equal distribution to implement small-scale projects.

“Each JKKK will receive at least RM20,000 starting next year to carry out village projects directly without involving external contractors, unless decided otherwise through an official JKKK meeting.

“The JKKK must be the implementer of village projects, not just an observer. The people must know who is carrying out the projects and who is responsible,” he said.

Ewon also said his the victory and large majority secured in the recent state election do not belong to him alone, but represent the victory of all the people of Kadamaian who have given him the mandate to continue development and reform in the area.

He said the huge majority he received carries a clear message that the people of Kadamaian want change, better governance and a more efficient and organised implementation of development projects.

“This victory is not Ewon Benedick’s alone. This is a victory for all of us. This is the victory of the people of Kadamaian.

“The strong mandate that has been given comes with the responsibility to ensure that the Kadamaian Development Master Plan can be successfully implemented,” he said in his speech at the meet the workers gathering with the Kadamaian election machinery at Kadamaian Square here on Sunday.

Ewon also expressed his appreciation to more than 11,000 Kadamaian residents who had supported him in the recent election.

“Thank you for the support throughout the campaign period. Now is not the time to campaign, but a time to unite, work together and strengthen our bonds for the development of Kadamaian.

“Our main responsibility is to fulfil the hopes of the 11,977 Kadamaian voters who gave a large mandate this time with a majority of 9,672. Such a large majority demands a new approach.

“The old approach has been good, but there is still room for improvement because the people of Kadamaian want reform. Therefore, the new administration under the ‘Sabah First’ policy will begin in Kadamaian,” he said.

On December 18, Ewon will also meet all pastors or representatives from churches throughout Kadamaian as he has done previously, to present contributions for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“As in previous years before the festive season, we will provide contributions to all churches in Kadamaian,” he said, adding that the Kadamaian Christmas and New Year celebration will be held on January 5, 2026.