PBS tells Warisan to hold elections for Sabah village heads

It's part of the election promise, says Maximus Ongkili.

Maximus Ongkili says BN held elections to choose village chiefs in Sabah. (Bernama pic)

KOTA MARUDU: A senior Sabah politician today called on the Warisan-led state government to honour its election pledge to choose village chiefs through elections.

Parti Bersatu Sabah deputy president Maximus Ongkili said Warisan’s Peter Anthony had said that elections would be held for village chiefs and heads of Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK).

“This is a commendable decision and we in PBS fully supported it. So now it’s the opportune time to honour the undertaking. Honour your promise,” said Ongkili.

The state government has terminated all JKKK chairmen, village chiefs and native chiefs.

Ongkili said the move would result in thousands of grassroots leaders losing their jobs.

“Appointment of grassroots leaders through an election process is the best means to select credible and respected persons, rather than simply appointing them politically without the grassroots having a say in their selection,” the former federal minister told the Mukim Simpangan PBS annual general meeting here yesterday.

He said the previous Barisan Nasional government used to hold elections for JKKK heads and village chiefs in many districts.

“So, we urge Warisan to continue the practice, if not do better than BN,” Ongkili said. -FMT