Strong cooperation key to community development, says Sharifah Hasidah

KUCHING (Nov 30): More development projects can be delivered to communities only when village leadership maintains strong cooperation with the government, said Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.

The Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, Malaysia Agreement 1963 and Federal-State Relations), who is also Samariang assemblywoman, said Kampung Siol Kandis Dayak exemplifies how close collaboration between grassroots leaders and government agencies enables development to be implemented smoothly.

“We know that the strong cooperation between the JKKK (Village Development and Security Committee), the Tuai Rumah, Penghulu, party members, and leaders in Kampung Siol Kandis Dayak, such as SDNU (Sarawak Dayak National Union) and St Paul’s Church, has been crucial. All of us work together and maintain good relations with me, my officers, and also with the office of (Deputy Prime Minister and Petra Jaya MP) Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof.

“When all of us work closely with the leadership in Kampung Siol Kandis Dayak, many development projects can be carried out in the village,” she said in her officiating speech at the 2025 Pre-Christmas Dinner organised by JKKK (Dayak) Siol Kandis at SJK Chung Hua No.3 Padungan on Saturday night.

Sharifah Hasidah highlighted several ongoing and approved projects resulting from this cooperation.

“At this moment, the SDNU hall is being rebuilt at a cost of RM300,000. Soon the hall will have a new look and can be used for community activities. The drainage works in Kampung Siol Kandis Dayak have also begun, following JKKK’s application for RM250,000.

“For St Paul’s Church, almost RM1 million has been allocated by Unifor (Unit for Other Religions). There are many more, too many to mention one by one, but we have implemented a lot. This is all due to the cooperation, hard work, and commitment of the leadership in Kampung Siol Kandis Dayak,” she said.

Sharifah Hasidah further praised Sarawak’s overall leadership and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s allocations under the recently announced state budget.

“Our Premier has allocated substantial funds for all communities, both urban and rural. The government has channelled billions of ringgit for the wellbeing of the people. Sixty per cent of government revenue has been allocated for rural development,” she said.

She also called on communities to safeguard unity, describing it as the foundation of Sarawak’s prosperity.

“Sarawak will only progress ‘segulai sejalai’ (united in moving forward) when we are united. We must maintain this harmony so we can continue celebrating all our festivals peacefully,” she said.

Earlier, JKKK Dayak Siol Kandis chairman, Tuai Rumah Ghani Udai, expressed appreciation for Sharifah Hasidah’s consistent support, describing her as a leader truly close to her people.

He said the village had received RM700,000 in allocations over the past eight months, opening “new hope” for long-awaited development.

“Every ringgit will be used with integrity and with the wellbeing of villagers as the priority,” he said.

Ghani also outlined upcoming plans for next year, including social programmes, youth initiatives, education support, and community economic development projects.

He assured full grassroots support for Sharifah Hasidah.

“We will stand firmly behind YB. We believe the progress of this village will continue with your leadership,” he said.

Also present were Temenggong Nelson Kloni Kanang, Penghulu Jos Jawa, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Samariang Branch secretary Sulhie Salleh, Fadillah’s special officer Syed Zaid Wan Asnawi, community leaders, SDNU representatives and local organisations.