KUCHING: Appointing a coordinator to tackle poverty issues is a good idea, but there is a need for clearer picture and direction in its implementation especially in Sarawak.
Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu pointed out that it can pose constraints to the state civil service if not properly implemented.
“The idea is good to oversee programmes and to tackle the issue of poverty, especially in rural Sarawak.
“However, a clearer direction is needed on its implementation as it could affect the lives of the people,” he said when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune.
Rentap was commenting on a recent statement that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob that the government would appoint a coordinator to monitor poverty-alleviation programmes.
According to Ismail Sabri, the coordinator will be appointed at district level to ensure that efforts to tackle poverty issues could be undertaken more effectively.
“This might work in Malaya as the states there are small compared to Sarawak, which is the largest state in the country.
“There will be administrative issues that need to be ironed out especially affecting Sarawak Civil Service,’’ he stated.
