KUCHING: The State government will not agree to the establishment of Village Community Management Councils (MPKK) by the federal government in Sarawak.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said if MPKK is introduced, it would further divide the people like what happened during the British colonisation of Sarawak.
“It seemed like last time when the British wanted to come and colonise Sarawak, they divided us. Divide and rule,” he told reporters when met after launching the state-level 2019 Women’s Day celebration at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday.
He noted that the state constitution clearly stated that the appointment of Ketua Kaum (village chiefs) is within the state’s jurisdiction.
“Why should we agree if you touch on our rights?” said Abang Johari when reporters asked him to comment on Works Minister Baru Bian who was quoted as saying that the establishment of MPKK would still carry on as planned despite protests from the state government.
On Sept 27, Baru said MPKK was mainly to facilitate the implementation of the Federal government projects in the rural areas in the State.
He said the establishment of MPKK was not aimed at dividing the community.
“We are just trying to help the community, so all the projects that should be given to the villages could be implemented,” Baru said.
