LONG KEVUK, BARAM: Village chiefs (TK) must be able to stay above all parties in the village and get to know their village well, Telang Usan Assemblyman, Dennis Ngau said.
“Today’s leadership has transformed and leaders at all levels must try to adapt. To become successful leaders you must have the ability to work well with all levels of the community under your charge.
“As a ‘Tua Kampung’ your most important responsibility is the well-being and the progress of your village,” he said, adding that once a leader places personal interests above all else that leader would become a burden to the community.
Dennis made this remark during an appreciation event held for TK Seman Ngang by the Long Kevuk community in appreciation of his 39 years as the village chief.
He also stressed that they must work hard to impress the government of day which has the right to appoint them.
“Practise clean leadership, be inclusive, try to stay on top of what is happening around you and have a never give up attitude,” he advised.
Dennis added that the secret of the rising and not falling of a leader is integrity.
“Integrity is a hard-won achievement. Integrity is not a given factor in everyone life. It is in fact a result of self-descipline, inner trust and a decision to be relently honest in all situations in our lives,” he said, adding that the one universal character flaw or unforgiven sin which always lead to a downfall of a leader is betraying the trust of the people by not doing what has been promised.
Dennis also said the village chiefs are appointed by the government and given the authority at the village level. They have the responsibility and play roles to explain and defend government policies.
He also pointed out that village chiefs must lead in accepting changes brought by the government if they want their village to progress.
“We must accept change brought by the government for the good and benefit of our generation and the future generations,” he said.
Dennis also reminded the village chiefs to organise an annual meeting, especially at the year end when most of the villagers are back home for the Christmas celebration.
“Use the meeting to discuss and solve major issues,” he said.
There are 87 longhouses and settlements in the Telang Usan constituency comprising Kayan, Kenyah, Penan and Chinese communities.
Among those present were Sunarti Siti Wen who represented Telang Usan District Officer, Baru Tai, Penghulu Juwin Lihan, Penghulu Tebaran Siden and more than 17 longhouse chiefs and their representatives.
More than 300 people from Long Kevuk and surrounding villages attended the event.
Long Kevulk is a Penan settlement which can be reached by 4WD vehicles on a 6-hour drive from Miri. It is considered the most progressive Penan village in Baram.
The longhouse, built by the government, has a clinic, a full boarding primary school, a telecommunication tower, solar electric, village road and fire-fighting equipment.
