BEAUFORT: Kampung Kuala Balik residents are protesting the appointment of an “outsider” as their Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) Chairman.
They added that someone from Kampung Kabajang who does not reside in their village had been appointed to the position by the Lumadan Community Leader Development Unit (UPPM).
Kampung Kuala Balik, Kampung Kurian and Kampung Gelila Jaya residents were unanimous in their demand that the JKKK chairmanship be decided through a proper democratic process, with the village community having the final say.
“It makes no sense for someone from another village to be looking after our village,” one resident said.
The residents, who identified themselves as government voters, said the Assemblyman not to take their electoral support for granted following the victory in the recent State election.
While residents indicated a preference for incumbent Jibidi Wahid to continue leading the village, they insisted the matter be settled through a proper ballot.
Residents said that appointing an outsider would create practical difficulties, as a chairman unfamiliar with the community would struggle to effectively convey residents’ needs and concerns and would also bear responsibility for the safety and welfare of villagers he does not live among.
The villagers are also called on Sipitang Member of Parliament Datuk Matbali Musah to intervene on the matter.
