KENINGAU: Grassroots leaders must be fair, just and avoid favouritism in providing the best services to the people under their care, said Assistant Minister for Community Development and People’s Wellbeing, Datuk Flovia Ng.
She said grassroots leaders, including Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairmen and village chiefs, should not be biased when distributing assistance to the people.
She emphasised that government aid provided to those listed in the e-Kasih system must be distributed fairly.
“The list of names in the e-Kasih system must be reviewed by the District Office and any form of favouritism must be set aside to avoid negative perceptions towards the government.”
She said this to the media after attending the presentation of messages to traditional leaders and JKKK members, as well as the handing over of appointment letters to JKKK members for Tulid at Youth and Sports Hall here, on Monday.
At the ceremony, Flovia presented appointment letters to 68 JKKK Chairpersons for the Tulid constituency.
Also present were Sook Assistant District Officer, Caroline Benjamin Siungan, Tulid Community Development Leader (PPM), Casmir Silip and community leaders.
Flovia, who is also Tulid Assemblywoman, said grassroots leaders must be wise in evaluating the status of recipients – only those truly deserving of the aid instead of someone who connections with local leaders, which is not appropriate.
She called on the grassroots leaders to be responsible for planning or organising activities to develop their respective villages.
She said this year presents a challenging time for the ruling government, as elections could be held at any moment.
“I want us to step up our strategic efforts by reaching out to all levels of rural society so that the current government will continue to be mandated to lead the state government and carry on with the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda,” she said.
Flovia added that village chiefs and JKKK members should act as the government’s eyes and ears, delivering its message, fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, as well as participating in programmes to support rural communities.