Smooth leadership transition at Uma Baha reflects strong community unity, says Murum rep

BELAGA (March 29): The leadership transition at Uma Baha Apau Koyan has proceeded smoothly, reflecting strong unity and community support for the new leadership.

Speaking at the handover ceremony to the new village security and development committee (JKKK) on Friday, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon said the longhouse community required firm and progressive leadership to ensure that development programs could be implemented effectively.

“At the same time, we must express our gratitude to the previous leadership, who contributed greatly to the community.

“Their efforts can be seen and felt in the progress we enjoy today,” he said.

During the ceremony, former JKKK chief Padan Bisau was succeeded by Mering Tingang, while former deputy Egan Ave was replaced by Coton Padan.

According to Chukpai, Uma Baha is one of the settlements of the Kenyah sub-ethnic group, housing more than 350 families, making strong leadership crucial for maintaining harmony and progress.

He added that the community had expressed hopes for unity, cooperation and harmony to continue under the new leadership.

The assemblyman also called upon the residents to support the incoming leaders so as to ensure that all ongoing and planned development initiatives could proceed smoothly; ultimately improving the socio-economic well-being of the longhouse population.