Tiong (tenth left) poses for a group photo with the local community leaders.
BINTULU: Local community leaders are reminded to prioritise the people’s interest over their own political interests.
Bintulu Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said as grassroots leaders, they have to understand their main role was to serve the people and not to play too much politics.
“The government is very concerned over the roles of the local community leaders. As a leader one has to be transparent and understand their task. I have visited several longhouses recently and I am sad because some community leaders and longhouse chiefs are playing too much politics.
“If they cannot maintain the peace and harmony, they should be replaced and I have been here for almost 18 years to take care of the people’s interest. I cannot compromise with those who take peace and harmony for granted,” said Tiong when officiating at the opening of a community leaders seminar at IPD Bintulu multi-purpose hall yesterday.
He said some leaders did not care about their people’s wellbeing and even sold their lands to outsiders.
“I have ordered the Resident to investigate this and if they are not qualified they should be replaced because I want to see harmony.
“This is a warning. Enough. Now just do your job and take care of the people in your respective areas,” Tiong warned.
At the same time, he apologised for not being able to go to the ground regularly due to his other commitment as the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to East Asia (South Korea, Taiwan and Japan). However, Tiong said he had ‘eyes’ everywhere on the ground and thus hoped all community leaders could work closely with him and carry out the responsibilities that have been entrusted to them.
“I want to go to the ground to see people happy. If there are issues we sit and solve it together, give and take. I hope no grassroots leaders condemn our own leaders if don’t understand the issues. Don’t listen to the opposition,” he added.
Tiong also expressed his disappointment over the way some community leaders, who have already received assistance in terms of basic infrastructure from the government but talk bad about the government.
“We don’t forget what we just received,” said Tiong, who hoped the people would maintain peace and harmony.
He also hoped similar seminars would be held regularly to give greater awareness to local grassroots leaders of their roles and responsibilities.
A total of 135 community leaders here took part in the seminar, which was organised by Bintulu District Office and Bintulu Community Leaders Association.
Meanwhile, Bintulu District officer Mataip Sayu said the main objective of the seminar was to explain the roles of community leaders as the bridge between the people and the government.
“I also hope that you share the knowledge you obtain from this seminar with your people. Your task as a bridge between the government and the people is very important,” he said.
Also present at the event were Deputy Resident Hamdiah Bakir and Bintulu police chief Supt Zailanni Amit.