SPAOH, Sept 15: Community leaders should not allow themselves to be made tools of the opposition to sow disunity and distrust of the government, and to spread lies among the people.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, in giving this advice, reminded community leaders including Temenggong, Pemanca, Penghulu, Tuai Rumah, Ketua Kampung and councillors, that they are part of the government machinery.
“You are the eyes and ears of the government on the ground. Your tasks are, foremost, to unite the people and bring them to mainstream development.
“So whatever problems and issues the people face, please bring them to the government through your elected representatives.
“Let us come together and discuss amicable solutions. The GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government is always ready to sit down with you,” he said when launching a community policing programme for Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) leaders here today.
Uggah expressed deep concern that a few individuals had deemed social media as a platform to get solutions, made worse when the issues highlighted in the online posts were just allegations or lies against the government.
“When they are viralled, fake news can cause uneasiness and concern among the more gullible folks,” he said, describing such action as very unbecoming of them as grassroot leaders.
Meanwhile, Uggah who is Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister, urged community leaders to learn all they could about the government’s development programmes and plans especially in the field of modern agriculture.
At the function Uggah also handed over land compensation totalling RM501,749.40 to 12 participants whose land had been acquired for construction of the Bebuling STOLport as well as Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) assistance amounting to RM450,000 to two churches here.
Political secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Richard Rapu, Betong Resident Friday Belik and Betong Land and Survey Superintendent Anthing Aboi were among those present. — DayakDaily
