Remy…many JKKK chairmen and members have yet to receive allowances that have been delayed for months.
KOTA KINABALU : – The decision by the Rural Development Ministry (KPLB) Sabah to terminate the services of all Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairpersons, secretaries and bureau members following the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly has drawn criticism from grassroots leaders.
Remy Martin Gunsalam, who is the head of Kampung-Kampung Bambangan Sobog in Inanam, said the sudden move effective October 6 was “regrettable and unnecessary” as the JKKKs play an important administrative and community role in rural areas.
He said the JKKKs act as a vital bridge between the government and local communities, handling welfare, safety and development matters at the village level.
“Their role goes beyond politics. These are administrative functions that ensure community welfare and safety. “
“Their service should continue until a new government is formed and new appointments are made to allow proper handover of duties, ” he said.
Remy said the abrupt termination has caused anxiety among JKKK chairmen and members, many of whom have yet to receive allowances that have been delayed for months.
“They’ve been told repeatedly that payments are just waiting for voucher approval,” he said. “What assurance do they have now that their dues will be paid?”
While acknowledging that most JKKK members were political appointees, Remy said many have continued serving their communities faithfully regardless of political differences.
He urged whichever party forms the next state government after the coming state election to retain capable and effective JKKK and village heads who have been performing their duties well.
“As a party that upholds the principle ‘Unite We Must’, Warisan believes we must be open to working with all levels of society so that government programmes and aid reach the people,” he said.
