TAMPARULI: Residents in 94 villages in the Tamparuli state constituency will head to the polls on Feb 15 (Sunday) to elect their Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairpersons and secretaries.
Tamparuli Assemblyman Datuk Seri Madius Tangau said the landmark election marks the first a constituency in Sabah is implementing a democratic election at the village leadership level, allowing locals to directly choose their representatives.
“The voting, counting and announcement of results will take place on Feb 15 from 1pm to 4pm, following a nomination process that officially kicked off on Feb 6,” he said.
This initiative, he added, fulfils the 17th State Election manifesto.
“The goal is to ensure community leadership is determined by the people through a process rooted in transparency and integrity.
“We want democracy to be practised down to the grassroots. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that the voices of villagers are respected,” said Madius, who is also Tuaran Member of Parliament.
The nomination process, managed by the Tamparuli Sub-District Office at the local Multipurpose Hall, saw a significant turnout:
- 402 nomination forms were received for the positions of chairperson and secretary.
- 25 villages recorded uncontested wins, where candidates stood unopposed.
- 67 villages will proceed to a contested election with multiple candidates.
- Two villages failed to submit any nominations.
The Tamparuli Sub-District Office serves as the official secretariat under the Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB). Working alongside the Tamparuli UPPM office, the secretariat is responsible for monitoring the entire cycle, from the current campaign period —which runs until Feb 14 — to the final tallying of votes.
Madius urged all villagers to participate responsibly in the Feb 15 vote to ensure the selection of “capable, functional and effective” leaders.
Key officials present during the proceedings included Assistant Sub-District Officer Hannevy W. Harry and Community Development Leader (PPM) Jeffry Teo.
