Sikie: Longhouse chiefs have to perform to expectations
SIBU: Longhouse chiefs are required to perform to expectations for their services to be renewed, says Assistant Minister of Native Adat and Penan Affairs Datuk John Sikie Tayai.
He said gone were days when such appointment was for a lifetime.
“Usually, for the first appointment, they will serve for four years and after that, it is renewable every two years,” he said after officiating at the closing of a seminar to strengthen the leadership and management of community leaders at ‘Kem Belia Kemuyang’ here yesterday.
Eighty-four community leaders and headmen from Kakus constituency attended the threeday seminar which started on March 23.
Sikie, who is also Kakus assemblyman, added that longhouse chiefs were also given Key Performance Indicator ( KPI) to assist them in meeting the expectations and needs of their charges.
“The people, especially the younger generation with higher academic qualifications, have higher expectations on their headmen to deliver,” he said.
He also reminded the longhouse chiefs to pass down information such as government’s policies and projects that benefit the people.
Commenting on the media report about RM121 million to be given to village security and development committees (JKKK), he hoped this could be paid out soonest.
Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal had said the allocation included monthly allowance of RM800 for JKKK chairman,
Usually, for the first appointment, they will serve for four years and after that, it is renewable every two years. Datuk John Sikie Tayai, Assistant Minister of Native Adat and Penan Affairs
RM200 for the secretary and RM50 for each committee member.
Sikie said the allowance for secretary and committee members of the JKKK was a new development.
At the same function, he also presented letters to 10 longhouse chiefs, six of whom were newly appointed while the rest were reappointed.
On the seminar, he described it as a success. Another one would be rolled out next year.
He said 11 working papers were presented, including one by Bintulu Resident Office on duties and responsibilities of community leaders and headmen; Fire and Rescue Department on fire prevention, ‘Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak’ on native customary marriages and Tatau police on safety.
He said the first of such seminar was held in Bintulu but described the one held in Kemuyang as having a better environment.
Tatau District Officer Nyurak Keti also spoke at the function.