Village leaders urged to be alert to problems
By Azlan Othman & Hj Minor Absah

Dato Paduka Hj Md Yusof (L) presenting the certificate to the new village leader. Photo: Hj Minor Absah

Village leaders and chiefs must ensure they can easily be reached and are available for discussions to solve villagers' problems. Towards this, they must be willing to set aside personal interest for the sake of responsibilities trusted upon them, by avoiding activities that could affect their duties. This includes engaging in business as well as side activities, which could affect their attention.

This was said by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs cum chief guest Dato Paduka Hj Md Yusof during yesterday's presentation of certificate of appointment to Kg Bukit, Mukim Ukong's new village head Awg Muhammad Shadiqin B Abdullah Janjam

Village leaders act as a link between the government of His Majesty and the villagers. They become the ear, eye and tongue in all matters for the harmony and prosperity of the village in particular, and the country as a whole.

Among others, the task of a village leader is to care for the needs and problems of villagers, maintain harmony, peace and security of the village, strive towards developing the village, unite villagers to foster understandings and unity, provide cooperation and assist government agencies in carrying out their responsibilities from time to time, as well as to keep record of the village - such as population, number of houses and government facilities.

The scope of work is indeed heavy and challenging, and there's a need to make wise moves by taking planned and systematic steps.

Among the steps is making use of the village consultative council as a platform to carry out consultation with village leaders, he said.

Dato Hj Md. Yusof later officiated the signboard of the new village leader.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin