Nikko Fabian
KOTA KINABALU : Opposition leaders particularly from Umno and Warisan, cane under fire for their attacks on Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick regarding his objection to the Madani Village Community Committee, also known as JKDM.
United Sabah National Organisation (USNO) Youth Chief and GRS Youth Deputy Chief, Iskandar Zulkarnain Ramli, criticized the opposition leaders for their immature and baseless attacks on Minister.
Iskandar emphasized that Ewon, as a seasoned representative, has the right to express his views on matters concerning Sabah’s affairs, and questioning the need for the establishment of JKDM in Sabah.
Iskandar highlighted that Sabah already has the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) authorized under the Rural Administration Ordinance (B.153), raising concerns about the justification for creating another institution like JKDM. He pointed out that the focus should be on strengthening existing village administrative institutions rather than introducing potentially redundant structures.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Supreme Council member Datuk Fredian Gan also opposed the implementation of JKDM in Sabah. Fredian raised legal concerns, stating that the unilateral establishment of JKDM by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry disregards state laws and could lead to confusion and division at the village level.
The objections raised by leaders like Jeffrey, Ewon, and Fredian underscore the growing discontent and skepticism surrounding the establishment of JKDM in Sabah.
The concerns voiced by these leaders revolve around the potential negative impact of introducing another federal administrative body at the village level, which could undermine existing local governance structures and violate state laws.
The call for a reassessment of the rationale behind JKDM’s establishment and the suggestion to cancel its implementation reflect the deep-seated opposition within Sabah’s political landscape.
The focus on Ewon’s objection to JKDM has sparked a debate on the necessity and implications of introducing new administrative mechanisms in the state.
As the controversy surrounding JKDM continues to unfold, the criticisms directed at the Minister concerned and the broader implications of this issue on Sabah’s governance and unity remain at the forefront of political discourse in the region.
