KOTA KINABALU: People Development Leaders (PKR) are vital in ensuring development programmes implemented by the government reach and benefit the people on the ground.
In this regard, those appointed to the post must be able to work closely with the government and its elected representatives as well as understand and support the mission and vision of the government
in implementing its development programmes for the people.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, in highlighting this yesterday, said PKRs are as important as the elected representatives, as they shoulder the same responsibilities.
“Their jobs are the same, which is to make sure that whatever projects, programmes and assistance from the government can be implemented or channelled to the grass roots level,” said Musa in his message at the oath taking ceremony for new Sabah PKRs here yesterday.
The function held at Wisma Innoprise saw 48 sworn in as PKRs for the new government term, including two election candidates from constituencies which lost to the opposition in the May election.
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Youth chief Datuk Jahid Jahim was entrusted to serve as PKR for his former Tamparuli constituency, which was taken by Parti Keadilan Rakyat through Barisan Nasional (BN) defector Datuk Seri Wilfred Bumburing.
Joining him is another PBS candidate, newcomer Fung Lin Fui who lost in Sri Tanjong to Chan Foong Hin from Democratic Action Party (DAP).
Names of PKRs for 12 constituencies, 10 of which are held by the opposition, have yet to be announced.
They are Matunggong, Kadamaian, Inanam, Likas, Api api, Luyang, Kapayan, Moyog, Klias and Bingkor.
The two BN-held constituencies that have yet to have their PKRs appointed are Sukau and Kunak.
From all the 42 PKRs so far, only one is a female, Georgina L George from the UPKO-held Paginatan constituency.
Musa, who is also Sabah BN chief, in his speech said the people gave their mandate to BN because they believed the Coalition could deliver its responsibilities to take care of the people’s interests.
“As such, it falls upon the PKRs as agents of the government to make sure that this trust is respected and fulfilled by ensuring a smooth and effective implementation of government development efforts on the ground.
“Apart from serving as the eyes and ears of the government that gather inputs, views and grouses from the people, PKRs must also fulfill their responsibilities in providing necessary explanations
on issues and development programmes to the constituents in their respective constituencies,” he said.
He reminded them to always be alert and responsive to the problems faced by the people as well as the issues and lies created by the opposition to influence the voters.
“It is also the responsibility of the PKRs to explain any accusation against the government. The increasing popularity of the social media and the availability of many other communication technologies such as SMS (short messaging services) have made it easier for certain quarters to spread lies to confuse the people.
“PKRs must not be left behind in using these technologies to counter these attacks, and must be able to use them to give accurate facts and explain any issues brought up against BN and its leaders,” he said.
This gave a strong signal that the state BN will not entertain calls from the opposition in Sabah to allow them to appoint their own PKR at all constituencies they have won.