SPM requirement for tuai rumah, village chief posts unfair, says PKR Sibuti chief

MIRI (March 17): The use of the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) as the main criterion in the selection of tuai rumah (TR) and village chief (KK) is unfair, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sibuti Branch chief Louis Jampi.

He said many individuals, particularly from the older generation, did not have the opportunity to pursue their studies up to SPM level but possess valuable experience and strong leadership qualities.

“In the past, qualifications such as Malaysian Certificate of Education (MCE) and Sijil Rendah Pelajaran (SRP) were already considered good achievements.

“Therefore, SPM should not be treated as the absolute determining factor,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Louis stressed that merit, integrity and freedom from political influence should be the key considerations in the appointment of TRs and KKs.

He added that the selection process should be decided by the villagers or longhouse communities themselves, rather than by politicians or state assemblymen based on certain interests.

“Appointments should not be used as political rewards or as a means to strengthen influence, especially when based on loyalty or cronyism,” he said.

Louis also proposed that state assemblymen should not be involved in the selection panel for TRs and KKs, even as observers, to ensure the process remains transparent and impartial.

“District officers should be fully entrusted to carry out the selection process without political interference. Any form of interference would undermine public confidence and the integrity of village administration.

Meanwhile, he suggested that TRs and KKs, together with their respective secretaries, be provided with training and courses in governance and digital skills to improve the efficiency of village administration.