SIBU: Community leaders have a crucial role to play in combating corruption said Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya.
He emphasised that as intermediaries between the government and the people, community leaders must uphold the highest standards of integrity to support the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
“This aligns with Sarawak’s aspiration to achieve developed status by 2030, where integrity is practised at all levels—from top leadership to grassroots communities,” he said during the closing ceremony of the Level Three Community Leaders Integrity Development Workshop (MIKM) here on Thursday.
Juanda stressed that Sarawak’s 8,000-strong community leaders should be well-informed about their authority to prevent misinterpretation of their roles.
“Their powers must be clearly defined so they do not overstep boundaries. Without proper awareness, they may continue to operate as they did two decades ago, making decisions arbitrarily,” he added.
He also highlighted the need for training in complaint management, as community leaders—including Temenggong, Penghulu, Pemanca, Kapitan, and Tuai Rumah (longhouse chieftains)—frequently handle concerns from their communities.
“About 90 per cent of complaints can be resolved simply by being good listeners. Leaders must be equipped with the right skills to address public grievances effectively,” he added.
On the development initiatives, Juanda emphasised that early awareness of integrity and best practices ensures successful project implementation while minimising wastage.
Meanwhile, Deputy State Secretary Datuk Hii Chang Kee said that from 2023 to January 2025, 13 series of MIKM Level 1 courses and two series of Level 2 courses had been conducted, involving over 600 community leaders across Sarawak.
“The courses have been implemented in locations such as Bintulu, Sri Aman, Sibu, Lundu, Serian, Miri, and most recently, Balingian, Mukah,” he said.
Looking ahead, he revealed that the MIKM training programme will continue, with a target of 10 series per level, culminating in a pilot Level 3 series following the launch of the Level 3 Module on Sarawak Integrity Day (HIS) in August 2025.
Also present was director of Integrety and Ombudsman in the Premier’s Department Wan Mohamad Wan Drahman.
