KUALA LUMPUR – The Housing and Local Government Ministry is expected to reappoint local activists in opposition-held states under its Penggerak Komuniti Tempatan (PeKT) initiative by January.
According to a source familiar with the matter, the decision was made to streamline the terms of service for upcoming appointees.
“All present appointments will be reappointed to a new term of one or two years. There could be additional appointments based on the quota in each local council. At present, there are two to four members for each council.
“In Negri Sembilan, for instance, one of those appointed has since passed on, and there should be a replacement in the wings,” said the source, who is also a PeKT appointee.
The source was responding to a letter being circulated in pro-Perikatan Nasional WhatsApp groups.
The letter dated December 18, purportedly from the Housing and Local Government Ministry and signed by Secretary-General Datuk Muhamad Musa, terminated the services of a PeKT appointee effective December 31.
It is believed that the letter sparked outrage among several supporters of Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin, as confusion reigns over the issue.
“Some were caught off guard and initially assumed that they were being played. But they were satisfied after the minister’s officers cleared the air,” said the source.
It is learnt that all present appointees will receive their reappointment letters soon.
PeKT has stumbled into several controversies since its launch in July, with Zuraida allegedly appointing members from Penggerak Komuniti Negara, a group comprising mostly former PKR supporters.
Last month, she told the Dewan Rakyat that 261 local activists had been appointed across 46 local governments to carry out activities to boost their respective communities.
Their roles, she said, include disseminating information on the ministry’s policies and initiatives, creating a united, competitive and sustainable community, offering consultations on community health and welfare, and collecting feedback for planned projects.
Selangor Bersatu chief Abdul Rashid Asari has reportedly confirmed that PeKT appointees will represent the PN government in opposition-held states, with members to be appointed from its component parties.
However, it is learnt that the Selangor and Penang governments have decided to not recognise PeKT appointees as their roles are similar to those of local councillors, and there is no need for them to act as liaisons between federal and state authorities.
Selangor local government exco Ng Sze Han said the use of local councils’ names on the letterhead of the PeKT letters is not allowed.
Zuraida dismissed Ng’s statement, and said the initiative will continue regardless of whether it is recognised by state governments.
The minister also confirmed that RM2.6 million was allocated under the initiative between September and this month.
It was reported that the government has allocated RM8.6 million under Budget 2021 for PeKT activities.
It is learnt that each appointee will be paid a monthly allowance of RM2,000. – The Vibes, December 26, 2020
