Stay close to people, CM tells community leaders
KOTA KINABALU: As the ‘eyes and ears’ of the government, community leaders should not only look at and hear but continue to be proactive in meet and speaking to the people, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman.
He said community leaders must take initiative and be responsive in order for the government to implement suitable development in Sabah.
“JKKK (Village Development and Security Committee) JKDB (Urban Welfare Committee) must prepare their respective profiles as guide for development implementation, according to priority, suitability and needs of their areas,” said Musa when addressing approximately 800 community leaders from 12 parliamentary and 28 state constituencies in the West Coast Zone.
“You must know the important things needed to help the government avoid leaving out or overlooking the needs of the people.
“We will be able to prioritize and avoid from disappointing the people,” he added.
Leaders were also asked to keep abreast of details of current and government development programs in the country and their respective areas.
“Never be complacent, take it easy, assuming everything is okay, and taking things for granted. We must know what is happening and the problems of the people,” Musa stressed.
He emphasized that community leaders of all levels should not hesitate to work harmoniously and cooperate with the people’s representatives and government officials in order to reach a goal or find a solution to arising issues.
This is especially important in expediting or ensuring that development plans are executed on time, he added.
“If we keep passing it around, it will be difficult, a simple matter will become hard, something that can be done fast will be slowed down. This should not happen as it will disappoint the people,” said Musa.
“You must be responsible, stay close with the people, go to the ground, know the people’s troubles, hold discussions, and any events,” he reminded.
The grassroots leaders should also wisely communicate the correct information and government’s initiatives, such as the Barisan Nasional promise to fulfill Pan Borneo Highway project, to the people, said Musa.
He added that this would ensure that the people would not be easily influenced by incorrect allegations and defamations swung by the opposition.
“We want our children and grandchildren to inherit a good government, country and state that is sustainable and viable,” said Musa.
“The government has an agreement, unity, understanding among us. That is the Barisan Nasional government. We have a good and strong government. We have a government that is united, that can deliver, that can promise the good of the nation, the state and our people.
“You must know how to express the government’s hope and message so that the people know that we are not a government that is messing around and forgotten ourselves. We are responsible and defend the people,” he affirmed.
The event was organized by UPPM Sabah, which consists of Sandakan, Tawau, Interior, North West Coast and South Zone.
Amongst dignitaries attending the assembly were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Yahya Hussin, Special Tasks Minister Datuk Teo Chee Kang, Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid, state assistant ministers, state assemblymen and Yayasan Sabah director Datuk Sapawi Haji Ahmad. – end.