‘Communities hold sole right to appoint own ketua kaum’

MARUDI: It is only right that the appointment of any Ketua Kaum be decided by their communities through the voting process or consensus.

In pointing this out, Assistant Minister for Local Government and Housing Datu Dr Penguang Manggil said as the assemblyman for Marudi, he chose to never be involved in the appointment of any village leader in his constituency because he believed that such right could only be exercised by the villagers themselves.

“In the case of the Orang Ulu community, the appointment of a Ketua Kaum is also based on their native customs.

“The whole process would be observed by their respective district office but for the Orang Ulu community, their Council of Elders would also be referred to with respect to their authority in native laws and customs.

“The next step would be the official appointment,” he said in his speech at a recent event held in Tinjar near here, to mark the official appointment of the Ketua Kaum for the Kayan community of Long Sepiling, KK Seman Anyie.

Beluru district officer Alfred Geling and Orang Ulu Council of Elders chief Temenggong Elizabeth Ding were among those witnessing the ceremony.

On a separate matter,

Penguang called upon all his constituents to utilise proper channels to highlight problems or complaints.

“We have a well- organised administration – you have the village headmen, longhouse chieftains, the community leaders such as the Temenggong,

Penghulu, Pemanca and Ketua Kaum, and also the district officer.

“Use these proper channels to submit your issues and complaints.” Meanwhile, the assemblyman assured the Long Sepeling folk that the Rural Electrification

Scheme ( RES) Phase I development and the road repair works were on-going process and in this respect, he called upon his constituents to render full cooperation to the implementing agencies and project contractors.

Later, Penguang announced the approval of a Housing Repair Fund of RM53,000 for Long Sepiling, as well as Minor Rural Project ( MRP) allocations of RM20,000 and RM5,000 for Long Sepiling village security and development committee (JKKK) and Long Sepiling women’s bureau, respectively.

In the case of the Orang Ulu community, the appointment of a Ketua Kaum is also based on their native customs. Datu Dr Penguang Manggil

Penguang (third left) witnesses Alfred, on his right, presenting the certificate of appointment to Seman. Seen at right is Elizabeth.