MIRI: Government-appointed community leaders are agents of change to effect rapid social transformation in rural areas, said Telang Usan assemblyman Lihan Jok.
“The government appointed you because it trusts you can bring progress and development to your people.
“As such, you need to work closely with the government.
“You should not bite the hand that gives you the mandate to lead,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the installation of community leader Penghulu Mering Ibau of Uma Bawang recently.
Baram Orang Ulu paramount chief Temenggong Pahang Ding, SAO Jeffrey Jalong and PBB Telang Usan Women chief Elizabeth Deng were also present.
Lihan said modern community leaders must be able to change with the time and make themselves relevant in order to be effective.
He pointed out that the world was fast changing which was affecting society as never before.
“Community leaders must be open-minded and brace themselves for change in their communities,” he said.
He said in order to be effective agents of change, community leaders must be knowledgeable and be aware of what is going on around them.
Community leaders need also to have proper administrative systems for their respective longhouses or regions, said Lihan.
“At the same time, community leaders must engage intellectuals to work alongside them for the sake of development.”