Chong (second right) performs the gimmick to officiate the pre-Christmas dinner. On his right is Chiew.
BINTULU: The Sarawak government should be open in accepting the development plans of the federal government to ensure such programmes can be implemented smoothly in the state and benefit the people, Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen said.
He said the federal government, much like the government in Sarawak, plays an important role in delivering the development agenda in line with the needs and aspirations of the people.
“To enable assistance to be channelled or for development projects to be implemented, the state government should welcome all development programmes that have been planned, rather than reject the federal government’s efforts,” he said when officiating a pre-Christmas dinner here on Saturday.
The gathering attended by some 1,000 people was organised by Komuniti Harapan Bintulu and Democratic Action Party (DAP).
Chong, who is also DAP Sarawak chairman and Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister, gave the example of the Federal Village Community Management Council (MPKPP), saying its establishment next month should be seen by the Sarawak government as the best move to help those in rural areas.
“It (MPKPP) is a wise initiative by the federal government to provide assistance to the people in the interior, which will be improved from time to time according to the needs of the people,” he added.
He criticised those whom he said had deliberately created the narrative that MPKPP would split the unity of folks in longhouses and villages by interfering or affecting the role of the existing Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK).
“It is not true that MPKKP would affect the role of the JKKK; instead it would benefit the people as both entities can provide more assistance to the communities.
“I believe many people in the state want the MPKKP to be implemented in their area or settlement because it is a body that provides aid to the people.”
Tanjong Batu assemblyman Chiew Chiu Sing were among those present at the dinner.