SIBU: Community leaders and village chiefs are urged not to simply approve something such as requests to sign official papers, requests for assistance, projects, etc. without due diligence.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Juanda Jaya said grassroots leaders should instead refer such matters to their local district offices.
“If things don’t seem right, do not simply give your approval. Don’t be too quick to support something you don’t know about.
“This is a matter of integrity. Please refer to the District Office. We do not want our KMKKs to make mistakes that can cause problems at the top level and give government agencies a bad image.”
Juanda was speaking at the Sibu Division Series 7/2022 Integrity Tour here on Wednesday (July 27).
He said issues such as obtaining confirmation of specifications related to state government projects that are ready to be implemented in a village or a longhouse were becoming rampant.
He emphasised that KMKKs should carefully check the projects that are being implemented to avoid future problems.
“It is important for KMKKs to know any project or problem in their village or longhouse. This is because the KMKKs are the eyes and ears of the District Office.
“If mistakes happen at the grassroots level, then mistakes will also happen at the top level and can tarnish the good name of the agency,” explained the Jemoreng assemblyman.
In that regard, he also advised KMKKs to avoid randomly recommending their charges for government welfare assistance.
He asserted that proper background investigation must be carried out and only eligible individuals qualified for government aid.
“Check whether they are eligible or not, whether the help requested is logical or not. Because this has happened at the village level where those who are eligible cannot receive help but those who are ineligible are given aid.”
