KOTA KINABALU: No one should question the validity of the federal village management security committee (JPKKP) as it is recognised by the Federal Government, says Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

He added the Federal Government fully backs the JPKKP appointments and all those appointed to carry out their duties for the respective villages.

“Take responsibility and the trust given, do not lose focus. If the state government does not recognise this appointment, the national (unity) government will recognise the appointments,” he said.

Bung Moktar said that those who have received letters of appointment as JPKKP chairmen are advised to carry out their duties faithfully and prove their ability and responsibility in their respective villages.

He was speaking at the handing over of the JPKKP (Madani Village Community) appointment certificates for Kemabong and Melalap state constituencies in Tenom, located about 130km from here on Saturday.

Bung Moktar said that the creation of the JPKKP under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry was aimed at achieving a balance at the district level after the Sabah government replaced or sacked the state Barisan-Umno districts and village chiefs.

“The state government terminated the service and replaced them with one group from one party only,” he said.

He added that the state government leadership, although it supports the federal-level unity government, did not provide funds for state Barisan leaders.

He said that it was for this reason that the state Barisan negotiated with the Federal Government to allow for the establishment of JPKKP in Sabah to balance development needs for the people in the state.

“We are confident that the existence of JPKKP in every village will help the various communities, many of which are poor and need assistance,” he added.

Bung Moktar, who is Kinabatangan MP and Lamag assemblyman, said that with an annual allocation of RM100,000 for each JPKKP, it will help finance small projects and skills training for the villagers.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/10/07/federal-govt-endorses-sabah-village-committees