PANTU: All candidates for the posts of ‘ketua kaum’ (community leaders), including ‘tuai rumah’ (longhouse chiefs), must undergo vetting by the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) before being approved by the state government.
Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang said the requirement is aimed at ensuring community leaders are free from criminal records and corruption-related misconduct, thereby safeguarding the integrity of grassroots leadership.
“The screening process begins at the early stage of the nomination. The police will review the candidate’s security background, while the MACC will assess integrity and any issues related to corruption.
“Only those who are cleared will be submitted for approval by the minister or relevant state authority. With this process in place, residents can be assured of having leaders who are clean and trustworthy,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the presentation and extension of appointment certificates for community leaders for the Bukit Begunan constituency here on Thursday.
Mong also dismissed claims that elected representatives interfere in the selection of tuai rumah candidates.
“Such allegations are completely unfounded. Assemblymen like me do not personally know the individuals chosen by longhouse residents to serve as their ‘tuai rumah’.
“Our role is to provide support. The responsibility of choosing a suitable and capable candidate lies with the residents to ensure their development and welfare are well managed over time,” he added.
At the ceremony, Mong announced an allocation of RM50,000 under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) for the Selanjan Jalong Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) to construct a road or storage facility.
He also approved RM10,000 under the Minor Rural Project (MRP) for JKKK Selanjan Jalong and RM4,000 for the longhouse women’s bureau.
A total of 22 ‘tuai rumah’ and three ‘penghulu’ under the Kara-Selanjan jurisdiction had their service terms extended during the event, while two new ‘tuai rumah’ were appointed.
