SIBU: The one-year extension to the tenure of Community and Tribal Leaders (KMKK) is seen as crucial in light of expectations that the next state election will be held this year.
Sibu Division Resident, Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman said their tenure has been extended to ensure the continuity of their community leadership role.
“In line with the directive of the Premier, the appointment of community leaders and tribal leaders has been extended until the end of this year.
“This makes this year a special year because Sarawak will face the state election,” he said at the ceremony to present the KMKK appointment certificates for the Nangka state constituency at the District Office here Tuesday (Feb 3).
A total of 28 KMKK received their reappointment certificates at the ceremony, while two of them were new appointments.
The appointments involved five Community Leaders consisting of Pemanca and Penghulu as well as 25 Tribal Leaders including Kapitan and Tuai Rumah, with two of them being appointed for the first time.
The certificate presentation ceremony was officiated by Special Administrative Officer Mohamad Afiq Abang Zainudin, representing the Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapaee, and witnessed by Abang Mohamad Porkan.
According to Abang Mohamad Porkan, the appointment reflected the government’s trust in the KMKK’s ability to continue to lead the community.
Therefore, he advised all KMKK to carry out their duties with full integrity, transparency and fairness regardless of political background, in line with their roles as civil servants or individuals serving in the public service.
“We are not biased towards any party. Our responsibility is to support and implement the Sarawak government’s policies professionally for the stability and smooth running of the administration,” he said.
He also reminded KMKK to always be open, ready to help the community and not to inconvenience the people in document verification matters, especially related to education and welfare.
“This position is not to elevate oneself or show power, but to serve the people,” he stressed.
In addition, he emphasised continued support for the Sarawak government leadership in fighting for the state’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), especially regarding Sarawak’s rights to oil and gas resources.
