‘Be more transparent with govt-funded projects’
BINTULU: Community leaders as well as longhouse and village chiefs have been advised to be more transparent when carrying out activities or development projects using government funds.
Assistant Minister of Public Utilities ( Electricity and Telecommunications) Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said practising transparency in every action and decision would increase the confidence of the people particularly towards leadership quality and capabilities.
The Kemena assemblyman stressed that the grassroots have the right to know what has been done with the funds.
“Be more transparent, coordinate your activities and please remember this money is not for your own pockets, it is assistance from the government to help the community in your respective areas,” he said when presenting minor rural project ( MRP) grants totalling RM295,000 to 21 recipients yesterday.
Dr Rundi also reminded community leaders at grassroots level to be more cautious when obtaining information through social media.
“Please verify the information first before making any conclusion whether it was good information or just merely propaganda by certain parties,” he said.
“Don’t just fall into their traps and propaganda. Never mind if it is true, but if not it might have a really bad impact on our unity and stability.”
He pointed out that the state government under Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem is focussed on developing rural areas.
“Our priority is developing rural areas and even though there are some logistics issues that slow down our efforts, the government is really concerned about this and will complete all the basic facilities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bintulu District Officer Tuah Suni urged community leaders to be more aware of the issues in their areas, especially when it comes to illegal immigrants.
“As far as the national security issue is concerned, it is our collective responsibility to report to the authorities about these illegal immigrants.
“Don’t wait until the very last minute, when their population has already increased like the incident in Miri recently. It will give us a big problem,” he warned.
Tuah stressed locals should not protect or employ illegal immigrants but use proper channels to apply for valid work permits should the services of foreigners be required.
He also advised community leaders receiving MRP grants to manage the funds systematically.
“Each of you must know how to plan your projects, regular monitor them and you must come up with a report and submit it to the district office once every three months,” he said.