Wong shows the Chinese daily report on the delay in appointing the new community leaders for Sibu, allegedly due to disagreements among GPS component parties on the selection of candidates.
SIBU: Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh yesterday called on the Sibu Resident to expedite the appointment of new community leaders here, amid a report of disagreement between Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component parties on the candidates to fill the posts.
He said the delay in appointment should not happen as it deprives the people of the services and functions performed by these community leaders.
“We are already into the third month of the year since the term of these community leaders expired on Dec 31, 2020.
“Their appointment is crucial and must be conducted without further delay,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
Wong was referring to a report in a Chinese daily which claimed that the appointment of some 40 community leaders in Sibu had been aborted due to disagreement between GPS component parties, especially Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
The Bawang Assan assemblyman recalled that during his time in government, the selection of community leaders such as Pemanca, Kapitan and Penghulu was done by the district officers and Residents after consultation with the community leaders.
“The names of the appointed leaders are then submitted to the respective state assemblymen for endorsement. This is the process,” he said.
However, Wong said GPS currently only has Dr Annuar Rapaee as its state assemblyman in Sibu, adding that the Nangka assemblyman may not be aware of the disagreement in the selection of the community leaders.
“He may not know what is going on in the Chinese community. As such, I would like to appeal to Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau Lee Ming to play his role and help look into the matter.
“I am in the opposition and of course, I have no say in this matter. It is up to the GPS component parties especially SUPP and PDP to resolve the matter soonest.”
Adding on, Wong said the state government should “look at a wider circle, be more broadminded and encompassing” when it comes to the appointment of community leaders and not confine the selection among their own party leaders.
“They should take into account the ability, determination and attitude of the leaders appointed, and whether or not they can represent the community in our society,” he said.
He said those appointed must have the necessary knowledge on government policies and on how to play their role in relaying government information to the people effectively.
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