GRS leader questions proposed village committees by Federal Govt in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: A Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leader has questioned the setting up of Jawatankuasa Kemajuan Desa Madani (JKDM), or Madani Village Development Committees, in Sabah.

GRS information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (pic) said that the initiative by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, led by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, undermined the existing Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), which operates under the jurisdiction of the Sabah government.

“What is the rationale for establishing the JKDM?” he asked in a statement Wednesday (May 15).

“Is there a need for it when we already have JKKK in every village?”

He contended that such an action was akin to contradicting the essence of the Madani concept promoted by the Federal Government, which is supposed to bolster understanding, cooperation, and unity among citizens.

Bangkuai, who also serves as the information chief for Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), insisted that Ahmad Zahid, who chairs Umno, must justify the establishment of this new entity to Sabah residents.

Additionally, Bangkuai suggested that the decision could represent a "divide and conquer" tactic, perceived as an effort to fortify Umno's influence in the region.

“To the best of my knowledge, there is no JKDM in Sarawak, where Umno is not present,” he stated.

While there hasn't been an official declaration, he mentioned that a letter regarding the formation of JKDMs in various state constituencies—allegedly signed by Ahmad Zahid—has been circulating on social media platforms.