Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Native Court Action Committee (Sacom) Chairman Datuk Stephen Sondoh urged all community leaders (Ketua Adat) in Sabah to focus on providing the best service to the community in particular and the State Government in general, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) aspiration.
He said this in expressing gratitude and appreciation on behalf of all the 3,963 community leaders to the State Government, especially Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, for announcing the monthly allowance increment for them, as well as the recognition given to them.
“On behalf of Sacom and all 3,963 traditional leaders in Sabah, I would like to thank the Chief Minister because his concern about this matter is timely and highly anticipated,” said Stephen, who is also Putatan District Chief.
Stephen also thanked Deputy Chief Minister II and Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam who brought and presented the issue in the State Cabinet meeting.
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“Well done to the civil servants who are directly involved in this effort,” he said.
Hajiji announced Sunday that some 3,963 community leaders in Sabah will get an average of 48 per cent in monthly allowance increment, beginning next month (September).
He said the monthly allowance for District Chiefs will be raised to RM3,500 from RM2,700 (29.6 per cent increase), Native Chiefs (Ketua Anak Negeri) to RM2,500 from RM1,700 (47.1 pc increase), Native Chief Representatives (Wakil Ketua Anak Negeri) to RM1,300 from RM900 (44.4pc increase), Village Heads and Kapitans to RM1,200 from RM700 (71.4 pc increase).
The move will benefit 57 District Chiefs, 272 Ketua Anak Negeri, 648 Wakil Ketua Anak Negeri, 2,810 Village Heads and 176 Kapitans throughout the State.
Among the justifications for this increment is the recognition of the esteemed position of the Ketua Adat in the community, including their role as judges in the Native Court and to cover their expenses while attending meetings, courses and official functions outside the district.
“The State Government recognises the important role of the Ketua Adat as grassroots leaders and the raise is intended to motivate the Ketua Adats to serve with integrity to the community,
“Furthermore, it has been long overdue with the last upward revision done in 2013. Their allowance has remained unchanged since then while the cost of living has risen,” he said at a meet-and-greet session with Tawau and Kalabakan Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) leaders and members.
This is a testament to the Government’s commitment to meeting the needs of everyone in providing quality service, in line with the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya aspirations,” he said.
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