By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 12: The state government needs to quickly address the appointment of Temenggong and Pemanca for the Iban and Malay communities whose positions have not been filled since the Serian Division was created in 2014.
Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben thus urged the state government to fill up these positions in order to speed up the resolution of various community issues.
“Without a doubt, the Ketua Masyarakat (community leaders) and Ketua Kaum play vital roles in bridging the community and the government.
“Hence, to maintain this effective conduit, I urge the government to address the appointment of Temenggong and Pemanca for the Iban community and a Temenggong for the Malay community,” he said when debating the Supply (2021) Bill (2020) in the august House today.
On another matter, Martin informed that the Bidayuh Community Leaders Association also urged the government to review their allowances.
“I have received a copy of the resolution of the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).
“While they appreciate the recent increment, they felt that it does not commensurate with the increase in workload,” he added.
On land development matter, Martin appealed for the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government to assist in providing the funds required for Native Customary Rights (NCR) landowner to undertake replanting programme at the Mongkos Oil Palm Estate (MOPE) in the Kedup constituency.
“It is already due for replanting in 2020. Total replanting hectarage for the area is about 1,200ha or thereabout and a few hundred participating NCR landowners.
“However, due to limited funds made available by the federal government, the replanting programme is put on hold or delayed,” he said.
Noting that MOPE has contributed tremendously to the socio-economic and well being of the local community through job creation, business opportunities and dividend payout, Martin, however, pointed out that a further delay in implementing the replanting programme will certainly affect their livelihood. – DayakDaily
