Mathew (sixth left) receiving his appointment latter from Emang, witnessed by Dennis (fifth left, behind), Anyie (third right), invited guests and Mathew’s family.
MIRI: Newly appointed community leader Mathew Belulok Lalo from Kampung Tanjung Tepalit has been told not to be daunted by any ‘resistance group’ over his appointment and ‘issues’ infesting the community and village.
The advice was given by Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau during presentation of an appointment letter to Mathew as the village headman for the community in Kampung Tanjung Tepalit recently.
The ceremony also witnessed reappointment of 13 community leaders and village headmen in Baram.
Reminding Mathew and other community leaders and headmen not to be discouraged and bogged down by dissenters or issues, Dennis said: “There are bound to be those who are unhappy, dissatisfied and disagree with your appointment. You have a much bigger role and responsibility to unite the people and at the same time bringing socio-economic changes and development and progress to the community and the area.”
In this context, he reminded the community leaders to be positive and ever ready to accept changes. They were also told to be committed and dedicated in their effort to unite the people and to bring socio-economic change to their area.
Dennis added: “Please remember that you didn’t inherit them as you are appointed by the government. It is a long and tedious process. It also involved a lot of agencies to evaluate the credibility, ability and capability not only as leader but also to manage and administering their area and community as a whole.”
“Whatever decision you make, please don’t decide behind the people’s back. Please get and hear the feedback, comments, suggestions and ideas from the community. (Get it) Tabled and discuss in a meeting to know the need and aspirations of the people on the ground,” he said.
As such, they were told to be fair and just by not taking sides or make decisions in favour of a certain group or individuals due to blood ties or close friends.
He said it is crucial for the leaders and the community including Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) to work as a team.
“As a community leader, you should keep a gap or distance yourself between the people. Get closer to the people (only) to listen to their aspiration, needs and the problems they face.
“At the same time, always frequent government offices to know government policies and agenda on development programmes and then explain to the people,” he added.
The assemblyman said this will help speed up progress in their area as the people understand and accept the development programmes and activities.
Also present at the ceremony were Baram MP Anyie Ngau, political secretary to the chief minister Robert Laing Anyie, Deputy Resident Emang Jau Emang, Temenggung Elizabeth Ding and Temenggung Joseph Ngau Lian.