SIBU: Placing a state minister or assistant minister to oversee the National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) will ensure that activities and programmes rolled out are in line with needs of the state leadership.
Assistant Minister of Youth Development Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this yesterday in support of JPNIN Sarawak director Dirwana Azool’s proposal.
Dirwana made the suggestion after launching the‘Unity Week’ cum closing of ‘Kibar Jalur Gemilang’ campaign at the civic centre in Kota Samarahan on Saturday.
“I fully support the Sarawak JPNIN director’s suggestion for a state minister or assistant minister be appointed to oversee the department’s role in Sarawak.
“This is a federal outfit whose task and responsibilities require them to be on the ground most of the time.
“A state minister being assigned to oversee them as proposed will erase all doubts, sensitivity and suspicion of their roles on the ground,” said Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya assemblyman.
He added that placing a state minister to oversee them would also ensure that their activities and programmes met the requirements and expectations of the state leadership.
“I support the proposal and hopefully the state government would take notice,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dirwana had said this would help facilitate collaborations between JPNIN and other agencies under the state government to carry out future programmes.
The director hoped Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem at the function, would bring forth the suggestion to Adenan for consideration.