KENINGAU: State Finance Assistant Minister Dato Mohd Ishak Ayub reminded the newly-appointed Bingkor Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) Chairman and Village Chiefs not to view their positions as a symbol of power, but a trust to serve the people.
He said the appointment of village leaders in the Bingkor area was made based on the trust of the local community and not on factors of ideologies or political leanings.
“The letters received are not a licence to rule. They are a trust that must be carried out with full responsibility, integrity and honesty for the benefit of people,” he said at the handing-over of letters of appointment ceremony for the Bingkor JKKK Chairman and Village Chiefs, here, recently.
According to him, the selection process gives the villagers the opportunity to determine themselves the individuals they believe are capable of leading and bringing development to their respective communities.
Mohd Ishak, who is also Bingkor Assemblyman, said the Village Chiefs and the JKKK Chairman are leaders closest to the people and, therefore, must always go to the field, listen to the voices of the community and act as an effective liaison between the Government and the residents.
He also stressed that the village administration must be free from favouritism, cronyism, political sentiment and factionalism that can affect the harmony of the community.
“The duty of the Village Chiefs and JKKK Chairman is to look after the welfare of all residents regardless of race, religion, background or political beliefs. All citizens deserve to receive fair and equitable treatment,” he said.
Ishak said the performance of all office holders would be monitored and evaluated continuously to ensure the trust given was carried out properly.
According to him, any substantiated complaints regarding weaknesses in governance, abuse of power or failure to carry out responsibilities would be given serious attention, including considering a change of leadership, if necessary.
He stressed that the real strength of a village leader does not lie in the letter of appointment received, but in the level of trust and confidence of the community in the leadership shown.
“If the people’s trust is well maintained, support will continue to be strong. However, if the trust is ignored, the people have the right to voice their views and demand change,” he said.
He also invited all the appointed Village Chiefs and JKKK Chairman to work together to strengthen unity, preserve harmony and drive village development for the well-being of the people and the progress of the Bingkor area.
