MIRI — Twenty-eight Community and Tribal Leaders (KMKK) from the Lambir constituency had their mandates renewed during an official ceremony at the Subis District Office on Tuesday, with one new Tribal Leader appointed to strengthen grassroots governance.
Sarawak Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat, who is also Lambir Assemblyman, presented extension certificates to 26 incumbent Tribal Leaders and Community Leader Kadir Ya’akub, while officiating Jefferi Maidin’s appointment as the new Tribal Leader for Kampung Danau.
“KMKK serve as vital bridges between communities and government,” emphasized Dr Ripin during the ceremony attended by Subis District Officer Norlila Ulis and senior penghulus. “Your fairness, trustworthiness and unity-building efforts directly impact the success of rural development policies.”
The reappointments underscore the state government’s continuity approach, with 94% of Lambir’s KMKK retaining their positions this term according to district records. Dr Ripin highlighted their dual role in disseminating government information while ensuring community needs reach policymakers – a system credited with accelerating 17 infrastructure projects in Lambir since 2023.
Present penghulus Hasan Lajim and Mokeng Tambom witnessed the proceedings, which included orientation on updated community engagement protocols aligned with Sarawak’s Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030. The new Tribal Leader appointment fills a vacancy created by the previous officeholder’s retirement after 12 years of service.