Chong Chieng Jen – File photo
KUCHING: The proposal to set up the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) has received overwhelming response from the people, particularly in the rural areas, according to Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen.
Chong said this was the feedback that he had received from the rural folk over the past few weeks and therefore the issue of MPKK will not be established in the state does not arise.
“MPKK has received overwhelming response from the people in the rural of Sarawak,” said Chong when asked to comment on community leaders particularly longhouse chiefs who have rejected the setting up of MPKK.
Chong, who is also Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister, explained that the introduction of MPKK system is the the federal government’s initiative in making sure that all of its programmes reach the people, particularly those with the household income of RM3,860 and below.
The PH Sarawak chairman also claimed that the setting up of the MPKK is due to the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led state government unwillingness to cooperate with the PH federal government in implementing its people-centric initiatives or programmes.
During one of DAP Sarawak’s press conferences, Chong said a total of about 5,900 MPKK councils would be set up in Sarawak latest by January 2020.
He said the figure would shoot up once some other longhouses are registered with the PH Sarawak.
The Standard Operation Procedure in setting up the MPKK complete with the appointment of chairman, secretary and 11 exco members was issued on Sept 29.
Chong said PH Sarawak will recommend the names of exco members of every MPKK to the Ministry of Rural Development.
He added that the GPS-led state government should not be overly worried over the formation of the MPKK because it is established for the benefit of the people.