KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given his assurances that he will discuss the proposed Madani Village Development Committees (JKDM) in Sabah with state leaders here.
“We will discuss it with other parties,” the Prime Minister said when speaking to the media before leaving the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) grounds after closing the state-level Kaamatan festival in Penampang here, Friday (May 31).
The proposed JKDM had caused unease among many local leaders including Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who questioned its purpose.
He had said that the initiative by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, led by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, undermined the existing Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK), which operate under the jurisdiction of the Sabah government.
He said while there hasn't been an official declaration, a letter regarding the formation of JKDMs in various state constituencies — allegedly signed by Ahmad Zahid — has been circulating on social media platforms.
In response, Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin hit out at Bangkuai over his contention that the Madani Village Community programme was a “divide and conquer” ploy to strengthen Umno's influence in the state.
He said the programme was aimed at helping the state government elevate the socio-economic status and well-being of communities, especially in rural areas, to uplift the people out from the hardcore poverty bracket.
