Don't play politics, Tiong warns community leaders
Tiong, who is also Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister, emphasised that the role of community leaders is to serve the people, irrespective of race, religion or political party.
His speech was read on his behalf by his special duties officer Agatha Ting during the presentation of cheques to 137 recipients of the Special Project Allocation (PPK) and 15 recipients of the Special Allocation by the Minister (PKM) at United Chinese Association (UCA) Sibu hall today.
'I want to take this opportunity to speak directly to all Tuai Rumah and community leaders – Kapitan, Penghulu, Pemanca, and anyone holding such titles. Please stop playing politics. Don't bring party agendas into community work. Don't backstab each other. The people are watching, and so am I.'
Tiong stressed that community leadership must remain neutral and dedicated to serving the community as a whole.
'If you're a Tuai Rumah or community leader, you must serve the people, regardless of race, religion, or party. If you cannot do that – if I hear more complaints about sabotage, jealousy, or efforts to undermine others – I will not hesitate to remove you.
'This is my final warning. Don't make me repeat myself next time,' he cautioned.
During the handover, Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Dudong division chairman Datuk Teo Boon Siew told the recipients to use the funds for projects that they had applied for.
'If you have applied for longhouse repair, make sure the fund is utilised for that sole purpose,' he said, reminding recipients to submit progressive reports on their projects, which should include photographs.
Also present was PDP Pelawan chairman Datuk Lau Cheng Kiong.
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