‘Baram folk want MPKK, only elected reps and headmen against it’

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Boyce (third left) and PKR Baram leaders during the press conference.

MIRI: A PKR member has claimed that Baram folk in general welcome the formation of the Village Community Management Council (MPKK), and that is only the area’s elected representatives and village chiefs who are against it.

PKR Baram information chief Boyce Ngau Anyi said this was the feedback a team led by him obtained when they visited more than 30 villages in upper and lower Baram, to distribute forms related to the setting up of MPKK committees in each village.

“The people in the villages in upper and lower Baram actually agree with the setting up of MPKK. Only the village chiefs and GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) elected representatives are against it,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

He said during the visits, his team explained to the villagers the purpose of MPKK and guided them on how to fill the forms to enable them to set up their own MPKK committee at village level.

“They (villagers) understood the need for MPKK in order for Baram not be left behind when the system is implemented next year,” he added.

He also said that some of those who had earlier voiced their objection to MPKK are now supportive of its formation, after it was explained to them that the council would not supplant the role played by headmen and the Village Security and Development Council (JKKK).

Boyce also disagreed with suggestions the MPKK would clash with the JKKK and split the community, saying its presence would instead enhance unity and solidarity amongst the people.

The MPKK does not aim to replace the JKKK in terms of carrying out programmes and initiatives, but rather seek mutual support and cooperation for the overall wellbeing of the people, he asserted.

“The head of the village will still be the head; there is no issue of two headmen ruling over the village.

“The Pakatan Harapan government has its own way of reaching out to the grassroots, especially the majority rural communities in Sarawak which are represented by an opposition government at national level,” he said, adding MPKK’s function is to facilitate communication between villagers and the federal government, and vice versa.