Zahid defends setting up JKDMs
Published on: Sunday, June 23, 2024
By: Aishah Abdullah and Ricardo Unto
Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the purpose of the Madani Rural Development Committees (JKDMs) in Sabah is to “complement and supplement”.
“We have no intention of competing or looking for a different path as we want to strengthen our roots so that the marginalised can be respected,” he said, after officiating the Sepanggar Division Umno meeting, Saturday.
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He was asked to respond to the criticisms by Sabah leaders against the establishment of JKDM, seen widely as a tactic to divide the people following Sabah Umno’s reported declining importance.
Zahid denied that the (JKDM) committee had direct intention of dividing the people of Sabah.
“There is absolutely no intention in that direction...because the state government has a Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK).
“We established the chairman and secretary of the Madani Rural Development (JKDM) Committee to strengthen the people’s support in a village.
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“Actually the three states that we have the same formula in Penang and Selangor have the same method. There is no problem in those states because they understand our wishes,” he said.
He also denied any political motive behind the establishment of JKDM in Sabah. “There is nothing...we just want to strengthen at the grassroots,” he said.
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In TUARAN, Zahid hoped political parties in Sabah would make rational decisions in the next State Election.
“To our non-Umno political friends, do not worry, do not be anxious, do not be uneasy.
“Umno is a rational party,” Zahid, who is also Umno President, said when officiating the Tuaran Umno meeting.
“What is essential is that we work together for the sake of the people of Sabah and Malaysia.
“We will try to do our best and when the time comes for the Sabah Assembly to be dissolved, do not make hasty decisions or statements.
“We must be more rational, and it is crucial that the people are not victimised. Political stability must be established in Sabah.”
Also present were Chief Minister cum Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) Chairperson Datuk Christina Liew and Sabah Umno Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan.
Absent was Sabah Umno Chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
Ahmad Zahid said unity in the struggle with other parties or organisations for the well-being of the people is essential.
“Some friends advised me to reconsider my decision to officiate the Umno Tuaran meeting due to the presence of the Sabah Chief Minister, friends from GRS, and leaders from PH.
“That was their advice, but I performed ‘istikharah’ (seeking guidance through prayer), and regardless of who attends, they are my friends.
“My presence in Tuaran does not mean I am abandoning any friends,” he said, adding that politics is very dynamic.
“Once friends, now enemies, and vice versa. Politics is dynamic. What is important is that political stability must be a priority for the well-being of the people.”
He said that political stability would ensure that all the people’s demands can be met.
Ahmad Zahid also said that differences of opinion should be celebrated and that there is always the best way to handle ideological differences.
“Therefore, I highly respect the presence of the Chief Minister at this Umno event,” he said. He reminded all quarters to support and strengthen the Madani Government for the sake of the people.
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