KOTA KINABALU: The setting up of Jawatankuasa Kemajuan Desa Madani (JKDM) in Sabah initiated by the Federal Rural and Regional Development Ministry helmed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi smacked of a total disregard to the role of the Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung under the auspices of the Sabah Government.
“What is the rationale for the establishment of the JKDM? Is there a need for it when we already have JKKKs in every kampungs?” said Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He said such a move is tantamount to going against the spirit of the Madani concept espoused by the Federal Government which emphasised on enhancing understanding, cooperation and unity among the people.
Joniston Bangkuai
“Zahid who is Umno President need to explain the decision to the people of Sabah who perceived the decision to “divide and rule” strategy which is seen as a move to strengthen Umno in Sabah.
“To the best of my knowledge, there is no JKDM in Sarawak where there is no Umno’s presence,” said Joniston, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Information Chief.
Although there was no official announcement, he said a letter on the setting of JKDM in several State constituencies purportedly signed by Zahid has gone viral on social media.
