Bandar Seri Begawan - The progress of a village lies in how wise a village leader is in driving the mukim/village people to love their mukim/village, as well as in respecting the surrounding community.

However, even with high quality leadership, a penghulu/ village head would not successfully lead the mukim or village toward development without support from the residents. Moreover, without unified support from residents, any effort to bring in success and planning will not yield the desired outcome.

The need for such support was raised by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs Dato Paduka Dr Awang Haji Affendy bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Awang Hj Abidin in a speech during a ceremony to witness the presentation of letter of appointment to the new village head of Area II, Skim Tanah Kurnia Rakyat Jati Kampung Tungku, Mukim Gadong 'A yesterday.

He continued, "The need for cooperation and consensus between leaders and villages is crucial. If there is no cooperation and consensus between both parties, any effort being made will not succeed. This is where a change in mindset among all parties is needed for the progress of a mukim and village. The leader and those under the leadership must have an understanding. Also crucial is the adopting of the 'one mukim and one village' attitude."

The permanent secretary also pointed out that the setting up of the Village Consultative Council is needed immediately, allowing village's to hold activities for the benefit of the villagers.

"I would like to urge villagers to participate and become members of the Village Consultative Council in together organising activities for the village," he added.

With regard to residents of Area II, Skim Tanah Kurnia Rakyat Jati Kampung Tungku, Mukim Gadong A,' he said, "I believe they will work together and give their continuous support to the new village head in his planning efforts towards developing the village, and also in ensuring the prosperity and unity of the village are intact".

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin