Dennis Ngau
MIRI: The state government has been asked to look into the issue of appointing an Orang Ulu community leader for Miri.
Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau said at present there are no Orang Ulu community leaders appointed to serve the community here.
“Therefore I urge the state government to look into this urgently. We can’t force our current community leaders to serve or spend most of their time in Miri and it is not mandatory for them to be here as they have their responsibilities up there in their appointed areas,” he said in response to a complaint of Orang Ulu community leaders being unavailable at the community leaders’ office here.
Dennis pointed out that it was Baram community leaders who initiated the community leaders’ office here.
“Though their area of responsibility is up there in Baram and knowing that most Ulu Baram people are now in Miri and other towns and cities, our community leaders took and carried out their responsibility wherever their charges needed them.
“A timetable on who to man the office was made by Temenggong Elizabeth Deng, but knowing that those on duty also need to attend to other calls and matters, at times no one is available at the office,” he said.
Dennis said the contact numbers of the community leaders are readily available at the office.
“For example, the gentleman who lodged the complaint was served by Temenggong Elizabeth, although she was in a meeting.
“Same goes to us as elected representatives. At times the people don’t have to go to our community leaders’ office to be served as we are prepared to serve wherever we are,” he said.
On Tuesday, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Baram secretary Dennis Along had chided Orang Ulu community leaders for being unavailable at the office.
According to him, the community leaders should be available from 8am to at least 4pm as they receive a salary from the government.