Penguang (seated, centre) in a group photo with the course participants. He is flanked by Mackos on his right and Edrews.

MARUDI: Local community leaders, including those who head the village security and development committees (JKKKs), must always realise that they hold the responsibility to serve those who have elected them – the community.

In this respect, Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil says the election of any leader is always based on trust.

“People elect leaders whom they can trust and those who set good examples – even the way you walk influences how others see you.

“We never want to hear some Penghulus who are always drunk, or a few who are involved in cockfighting. These kinds of bad behaviours are not only damaging to your reputation, but they also make it harder for the new leaders to perform their duties,” he spoke at the closing of a leadership course for local Malay community leaders in Baram Civic Centre here yesterday.

The programme involved 77 Ketua Kaum and JKKK heads of the local Malay community.

Adding on, Penguang who is Marudi assemblyman, called upon all local community leaders – be they from villages, longhouses or settlements – to focus their energy and work together for the betterment of this district.
“You are also responsible in conveying government’s policies and plans to your fellow villagers.”

Penguang also reminded the local leaders, particularly the JKKK heads, to compile and update the profiles of families in their respective communities.

“The profile must state the head of each household, their education details and backgrounds such as how many members are college graduates, and occupation,” he reiterated.

The closing ceremony was witnessed Marudi District Officer Mackos Sibong, state administrative officers Reagan Edwin and Nancy Abau, Marudi police chief DSP Gabriel Risut, Public Works Department engineer Faizol Hashim and course organising chairman Penghulu Edrews Abdul Ghapar.