THERE is political interference in the appointment of community chiefs for housing estates, villages, and longhouses, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said, adding that it will not be tolerated.
The Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president said he has warned councillors and certain politicians to stop meddling in the affairs of grassroots communities who have the right to choose their tuai rumah (longhouse chief) and ketua kampung (village chief).
Tiong, who is the Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman, said that if necessary, he would bring the matter up with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
"I have informed Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and the Sarawak United People’s Party of my stance.
"I have found attempts by certain councillors, district office personnel, and politicians who are meddling in these community chief appointments," he said in a statement.
Tiong said the people have the right to carry out grassroots elections to choose their chieftain.
He said he had evidence of such political interference in his state constituency,.
Sarawak has about 6,000 longhouses in the rural districts as well as tens of thousands of kampung and housing estates in semi-rural and urban districts.
These local chieftains preside over community welfare matters and are empowered to sign supporting documents and official letters to government agencies and political offices.
In Sarawak, it is well known that these community leaders are recommended by political parties in the ruling state government.
PDP is part of the ruling coalition in Sarawak, along with SUPP, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, and Parti Rakyat Sarawak. – June 5, 2024.
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