KUCHING: The Kuching Division Iban community leaders have expressed their deep gratitude to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for his continued confidence in the Village Development and Security Community (JKKK) system.
Abang Johari recently announced an allocation of RM100 million to pay for the allowances of community leaders in the state.
The paramount chief of the community Temenggong Datuk Bernard Aggan said in a statement that the kind gesture by the chief minister proves again that he is a leader for all Sarawakians.
He said the announcement is a relief to the community leaders after Federal Works Minister Baru Bian had announced that the federal government would no longer be paying RM500 to top up the monthly allowance of each community leader beginning next year.
“As far as we are concerned, the JKKK system is still effective and relevant in serving the people.
“We reject the formation of the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) as promoted by the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government.
“Its formation will not only confuse the people but will disunite them,” he said.
Aggan called on all JKKKs to reorganise to strengthen themselves.
“We must continue to rally closely behind the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government in bringing more progress and development to the state.
“We must fully support it to ensure our state will continue to be governed by Sarawakian leaders because that’s the only way our rights and wealth as well as our unity and harmony are protected,” he said.
