No need for JKDM to be implemented as JKKK already exists

22 May 2024

By AVV

PENAMPANG: The negative impacts of having two authorities with the same function operating in the same place include confusion, duplication of efforts, inconsistency, lack of cooperation, and increased bureaucracy. These factors can hinder progress, create inefficiencies, and erode trust in the system.

Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) Chairperson Alice Benson of Kg Bambangan Inanam said JKDM or Jawatankuasa Kemajuan Desa Madani, should not be established where a JKKK existed, to ensure against overlapping of duties, as it can cause confusion among villagers.

According to her, the existence of another similar authority with identical responsibilities appears to be inappropriate and can cause fragmentation among villagers.

“I believe JKKK should stay the authority in villages to ensure smooth security management and development in the area,” she stressed.

Aming Ombolog the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairman of Kg Sayap, Kota Belud echoes Alice, with his own question,” Why should the JKDM, which serves the same function, be established in a village if there is already a JKKK present?”

He explained that the existence of two similar authorities will lead to confusion among the people, and inevitably, disputes arising from favouring one authority over the other will result in dissent.

“I think JKDM should not be established in villages alongside JKKK,” he stressed.

"In 1991, the Federal Development Department of Sabah (JPPS) by UMNO was established with the reason to monitor, plan, and coordinate federal development projects. In reality it was a political ploy,” Janus Tioon, Chairman of the Association of Black Pepper Planters and Entrepreneurs, Kg Lompios Kota Belud.

He said he is not surprised if this is the same ploy and says No to the establishment of JKDM in Villages here.

For Susan Charles a micro entrepreneur working from home, residing in Kota Kinabalu, she believed that the presence of JKDM has to be justified, on whether it is relevant when there is already a JKKK operating in the villages concerned.

“Can they work together? Will the JKDM’s projects and security management be able to go direct to their federal authority and get the needs and aspirations of the villages looked into immediately or faster than JKKK?”

Josephine Chin, from Inanam, another micro entrepreneur working from home agreed, stressing that she doesn’t think JKDM should be established in villages as JKKK is already in place, and has been there for a long time.

Kathirina Sitaim, a popular local writer, from Penampang, said , “ It appears that this agenda aims to divide the people, as having two authorities with the same function is irrational.”

Nabor Pensin, a pensioner who used to work with a government agency, from Kota Marudu is of the opinion that JKDM should not be established in villages here as JKKK is already there and well able to manage village security and development.

“Id rather have JKKK as it has been there for many years and we are familiar with their duties and work. No need for JKDM, but of course they can use it elsewhere, just not here,” he stressed.

As for Maslah Rampodo, President of Indigenous Women of Malaysia (PWOAM) she said establishing two authorities with the same function is not a practical approach due to the infeasibility and waste of resources involved.

An interviewee who requested anonymity said It is evident that the decision to establish JKDM in Sabah was made without consulting the Sabah state government, and it appears to serve interests other than those of the Sabahan people.

“I strongly oppose this move and urge against deceiving us, as has been done numerous times in the past. The recent transitions from JKKK to MPKK and back to JKKK, followed by the proposal for JKDM, reflect a pattern of manipulation that undermines Sabah's development.”

Having two entities with similar functions will not only lead to conflicts but also hinder Sabah's progress and waste taxpayers' money. This initiative is likely to breed corruption, disputes over projects, and further division among Sabahans, he stressed.

A few days ago Datuk Zulkarnain Mahdar, the Chairman of Gerakan Kuasa Rakyat Malaysia (G57) lodged a police report against the Ministry of Rural Development and Territories (KKDW), led by Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, following their decision to expand the JKDM to Sabah without the consent of the Sabah state government.

The establishment of JKDM in Sabah by UMNO leaders representing the Ministry of Rural Development and Territories (KKDW), without informing or seeking prior approval from the Sabah state government, is seen as an attempt to undermine the Sabah state government, including its people.

“On what grounds was JKDM created without the approval of the Sabah state government?” he questioned.

It is important to acknowledge that these concerns reflect the perspectives of individuals and may not represent the views of some Sabahans.