Sarawak KMKK, councillors told to prove value amid allowance increase

MIRI (Dec 18): Community leaders, village heads (KMKK) and councillors in Sarawak have been urged to demonstrate the highest standard of service to justify the state government’s recent decision to increase their allowances and to prevent the move from becoming a public controversy.

State Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, emphasised that the allowance hike comes with heightened public expectations regarding the roles, responsibilities, and effectiveness of grassroots leaders.

“We do not want this to become a polemic or an issue that undermines the government’s policy decision to raise the allowances for KMKK and councillors,” he said while officiating at the Lambir constituency Christmas dinner at a hotel here on Wednesday.

The Lambir assemblyman called on the KMKK and councillors to be more proactive, carry out their duties effectively, and serve as a vital bridge between the government and the local community in advancing development.

“Prove to the community and the people in your areas that the roles of KMKK and councillors go beyond expectations.

“This is not just about allowances or something we pursue, but about our shared role in developing our respective areas,” he said.

He stressed that grassroots leadership demands strong commitment, sensitivity to public issues, and readiness to collaborate with the state government to realise Sarawak’s development agenda.

He also reminded them to stay well-informed about various state initiatives, such as free higher education, so that such information can be effectively conveyed to communities in longhouses, villages, and residential areas.

Additionally, Ripin highlighted the importance of preserving harmony and unity among Sarawak’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious society, describing it as a unique strength that facilitates development programmes and the fight for Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

During the event, grants totalling RM401,000 were presented to 22 recipients, including churches, chapels, and associations within the Lambir constituency.

Also in attendance were political secretary to the Sarawak Premier Hajis Japar Labaw, who chaired the dinner, and community leaders Temenggong Abang Mohamed Abang Othman and Pemanca Dr Ali Mudin.