Tribal, village chiefs warned against abusing power

KENINGAU: The state government would not hesitate to revoke the appointments of ketua adat (tribal chiefs) and village heads found to have abused their power, said Sabah Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Peter Anthony.

“The state government views such matters seriously. If any ketua adat or village head is found to have been involved in immoral activities, including verifying documents illegally, their appointment will be revoked.

”Those appointed to the posts must carry out the responsibilities entrusted to them with honesty and impartiality,” he said after officiating at the handover of appointment letters to 52 recipients from the Bingkor state constituency including 37 village heads, two native chiefs, two Chinese community leaders and one district chief.

Also present at the event were state Rural Development Assistant Minister, Rasinin Koutis; Ministry of Law and Sabah Native Affairs deputy permanent secretary, Jasli Tindi and Sabah Native Affairs Council president, Datuk Dr Sa’adillah Abdillah.

Peter, who is also Melalap assemblyman, urged all community leaders to strengthen their ties and cooperation with the government departments and agencies in their respective areas to facilitate their tasks. – Bernama

Peter (second left) presenting the appointment letter as a native chief for Apin-Apin Bingkor area, Enggrieth Ebik.