SIBU: Community leaders here have been urged to play a more proactive role in communicating the Sarawak Government’s development agenda and ensuring that accurate information reaches the people.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said community leaders serve as an important bridge between the government and the rakyat, particularly in explaining policies and development plans designed to meet the needs of a rapidly changing era.
“This is a new era, and it is important for the community and community leaders to recognise this so that they can convey the message to the people they serve.
“Community leaders must understand the policies we are implementing today because they are formulated to meet the demands of the new era. Otherwise, there will be a gap in understanding between the people and the government’s policies,” he said.
He said this when addressing a dinner with community leaders and ketua kaum in Sibu Division on Friday night (July 10).
Abang Johari stressed that Sibu’s development strategy is closely aligned with technological advancement and the state’s vision for sustainable growth, making it essential for community leaders to keep the people well informed.
“In the Sibu area, we want our community leaders to fully understand the policies we are implementing today. From this perspective, we are embracing technology as part of our development,” he said.
He also reminded community leaders that sincerity and dedication should guide them in carrying out their responsibilities, particularly in serving rural communities.
“Our intentions must always be sincere. Community leaders must serve with genuine commitment and carry out their responsibilities to the best of their ability for the benefit of the people, especially those living in the rural areas,” he said.
The Premier also called on community leaders to encourage greater emphasis on education and to help people embrace new technologies, particularly in agriculture.
He said Sarawak’s agricultural sector must evolve by adopting modern technologies, including innovative rice varieties and the concept of “waste to wealth”, which transforms waste materials into valuable resources.
Abang Johari said education remained the key to ensuring that no community would be left behind, noting that the state’s policy of free university education for all Sarawakians would create greater opportunities for future generations.
“It is the responsibility of community leaders to communicate these policies effectively to the people so that the younger generation can benefit from the prosperity we are building today,” he said.
He added that leaders who serve with sincerity and place the interests of the people above personal gain would ultimately leave behind a meaningful legacy through their good deeds.
“If our intention is genuinely to serve and help the people, God will reward our good deeds. We cannot take our wealth with us when we leave this world. What remains are the good deeds we have performed and the prosperity we have brought to the people,” he said.
At the function, three paramount community leaders, namely Temenggong Wan Hamid Edruce, Temenggong Vincent Lau Lee Ming and Temenggong Stanley Gramong, jointly presented a souvenir to the Premier.
