Well done: Dr Wee (third left) handing over certificates of participation at the workshop in Desaru. With them is Ling (far left).
KOTA TINGGI: The termination of all 70 new village development officers (PKP) nationwide is not in line with the spirit of the unity government, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The MCA president said the officers received their termination letters from the Local Government Development Ministry on Friday when they were told their services will end on April 14.
“They should have at least had some discussion instead of making such a sudden decision.
“I was shocked to see such letters being issued to the officers. I thought that since we are within the unity government, those in charge would have discussions with us, or at least inform (beforehand).
“The spirit of togetherness under the same unity government should be reflected better. For them (the officers) to receive such a notice is grossly unfair,” he told reporters after officiating the Training of Trainers workshop here in Desaru yesterday.
He said that the new village development officers (Pegawai Kemajuan Perkampungan or PKP) post had been around since the 1970s to look after 614 new villages nationwide.
“Was that a Cabinet decision or just purely administrative?
“PKP is not a post that has just recently been around. Their roles are to plan, monitor and supervise all the developments, projects and activities of the new villages,” said Dr Wee, who said Johor health and unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon has been trying to meet with the minister to discuss about the new villages in Johor.
Meanwhile, Ling said that he was shocked and disappointed when he found out about the matter.
“Is there a need to treat the officers, who are also social workers, in such a manner, without even discussing the matter?” he said.
He said all ministers should live up to the spirit of the unity government in which they respect and be helpful to one another.
“In Johor, even the Opposition receives the same amount of allocations. Hopefully, ministers from the Federal Government will learn from Johor,” he added.
As at press time, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming could not be reached for comments.
On an unrelated matter, Ling also said that the state government had approved an allocation of RM1,000 to each new village in Johor to carry out the Johor Bersih initiative.
“Previously, the state government had announced an allocation of RM1,000 each to Malay villages to carry out the Johor Bersih initiative.
“I have made an appeal and received the approval of the Johor Mentri Besar to have such an allocation given to Chinese new villages statewide to also carry out the activity,” he said, noting that there are 124 new villages in Johor.
