KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Women chief Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodie is of the view that Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak state secretary Vernon Kedit “may be out of touch with the reality on the ground”.
“There is, of course, a difference between a chairperson and community leader,” she told New Sarawak Tribune Saturday.
“In Sarawak, community leaders and the village development and security committees (JKKK) are inseparable in that a ‘ketua kaum’ — be they ‘tuai rumah’, ‘ketua kampung’, ‘kapitan’ or ‘maren uma’ — is automatically appointed as JKKK chairman once he is officially appointed,” Doris stated.
She added that both appointments are to be made through their respective district office.
She also pointed out that Sarawak has a different appointment mechanism from those used in Sabah and the Malayan states.
Last Friday, Vernon had refuted claims that the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government is interfering in the appointment of community leaders in Sarawak, saying that the chairperson for the village community management council (MPKK) would be appointed and not to be confused with a community leader.
“If I am not mistaken, there was a circular issued by KKLW (Ministry of Rural and Regional Development) in 2017 with regard to JKKK, and by KPLB (Ministry of Rural Development) in 2018 with regard to MPKK, where it was clearly and consistently stated that the appointment authority always lies with the state governments and not the federal government,” Doris pointed out.
She said any move by the federal government to appoint MPKK chairpersons to those community leaders already appointed by the Sarawak government would cause confusion among village folks.
“There can never be two leaders in any longhouse. If this happens longhouses will split. This will also further disintegrate the Dayak community,” she remarked.
Doris felt that if the federal government still proceeds with this idea in January next year, the biggest losers will be the Dayak community, especially the Ibans.
She said she would not be surprised if one day longhouses in Sarawak may no longer be seen.
“I should think if this happens, PH leaders must be blamed. They must take the blame, especially those PH leaders from Sarawak.
“Therefore, PH leaders in Sarawak must put their hands on their chest on this matter and admit that the appointment will endanger the longhouse tradition.”
She urged Sarawak PH leaders to stand up and speak out against policies that are not beneficial to Sarawakians.
“Be brave to challenge your political masters on issues and matters that bring negative impact.
“Do not politicise everything at the expense of your community,” she urged.
