Juanda (centre) receiving a souvenir from the Premier’s Department Integrity and Ombudsman director Wan Mohamad Wan Drahman. On his left is Hii.
Community leaders have an important role to play in the fight against corruption, says a Sarawak Cabinet member.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya said community leaders, as the bridge between the government and the people, need to have the highest level of integrity to help the government in the war against corruption.
“This is in line with Sarawak’s aspiration to become a developed state by 2030, where Sarawak citizens – from the top levels to the grassroots – practise integrity,” he said, speaking at the closing of a Level-Three Community Leaders Integrity Development Workshop (MIKM) in Sibu.
He said the more than 8,000 community leaders in the state should be aware of their power.
Juanda said community leaders, who include Temenggong, Penghulu, Pemanca, Kapitan and also Tuai Rumah (longhouse chief) should be trained to handle complaints from the people in their care.
“About 90% of the complaints can be resolved by community leaders by just being good listeners.
“If a bridge project is not completed according to schedule, the community leaders must know how to explain to their people.
“Thus, they need to be trained how to do this,” he said.
Juanda said with awareness of the importance of integrity and best practices, development projects could be implemented successfully, avoiding wastage.
Deputy state secretary Datuk Hii Chang Kee said that since 2023, over 600 participants including community and tribal leaders throughout Sarawak had undergone MIKM training. ― By ANDY CHUA
