Jiwa MADANI event strengthens government-community engagement

MIRI: Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, who also serves as Lambir assemblyman, officially launched the Jiwa MADANI programme at a leading hotel here on Friday night.

The event saw the participation of 100 attendees, including community leaders and members from various MADANI communities within Lambir.

The programme, aimed at fostering stronger ties between the government and local communities, involved three major MADANI communities under Lambir constituency – Seloi Tengah Sibuti, Setulai, and Skim B Lambir.

In addition to the official launch, a certificate presentation ceremony was held for the newly appointed heads of these community groups.

In his speech, Dr Ripin highlighted the importance of the Jiwa MADANI programme as a platform for meaningful engagement and collaboration between the government and MADANI community.

He emphasised that face-to-face communication remains one of the most effective ways to disseminate government policies and initiatives, despite the growing influence of electronic, print, and social media.

“The delivery of government messages cannot rely solely on digital platforms. Traditional approaches, such as direct face-to-face communication with both small and large groups, remain crucial. I believe the Information Department’s (JAPEN) strategy of blending traditional communication methods with modern social media outreach is ideal for our programmes,” said Dr Ripin.

Sarawak JAPEN director Helmy Hamid, who also spoke during the event, expressed his gratitude for the support and collaboration from the local communities.

He noted that the Jiwa MADANI programme, organised in collaboration with the Miri District Information Office, serves as a crucial avenue to strengthen the bond between the government and the diverse communities of Lambir.

“The Jiwa MADANI programme allows us to engage directly with the people, promoting inclusivity and understanding across different racial, religious, and cultural backgrounds. This initiative also offers a platform to disseminate crucial government information, policies, and initiatives while providing essential e-services such as the BUDI MADANI counters to the community,” Helmy added.

In addition to these initiatives, Dr Ripin announced a contribution of RM5,000 to each MADANI community in the Lambir constituency, as well as to the Sarawak Information Club (Miri).

This funding is aimed at further empowering these communities and supporting their continued collaboration with government agencies.

Also present at the event were assistant director of JAPEN Sarawak Management Branch, Joleen Vicky Keron, Miri District Information officer Aidawatie Mustapha, staff from JAPEN Miri, and Madani community members from Lambir.

The Jiwa MADANI programme represents a significant step towards enhancing community engagement and ensuring that government policies reach every level of society, reinforcing the government’s commitment to grassroots development and inclusivity.