Tiong warns against politicising community leadership appointments

Borneo Post

14-06-2025

Tiong is warmly welcomed by attendees upon his arrival at the Ngiling Bidai dinner last night.
BINTULU (June 14): Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing has issued a stern warning to those attempting to exploit the roles of community leaders for political gain.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP, stressed that KMKK (Ketua Masyarakat dan Ketua Kaum) appointments are not the property of any political party, but positions entrusted with promoting social, economic, and cultural development within their respective longhouses or villages.
'The fundamental role of KMKK is to facilitate a more progressive and systematic approach to village administration and management, aimed at creating positive change within the community,' he said.
He made the remarks while officiating at the Kemena Ngiling Bidai 2025 Dinner held at Dinner World Restaurant here last night.
Tiong revealed that he had recently discussed the matter with the Premier of Sarawak, who reaffirmed that all KMKK appointments must follow proper procedures, uphold due process, and reflect collective decisions.
'These appointments are not the exclusive right of any party. They are a shared responsibility for the benefit of the people as a whole,' he asserted.
He cautioned against any attempt to politicise KMKK roles or to use them as bargaining chips to gain political support.
'Such actions not only insult the existing administrative system but also betray the trust of the people,' he said.
Tiong reminded all parties that KMKK positions are not owned by any group, but are official appointments made through a transparent and fair selection process set by the government.
'It is a responsibility to bridge grassroots communities with the government and to improve the people's well-being. Any practice of cronyism will only damage the credibility of the institution overnight,' he warned. appointment community leaders politics Tiong King Sing