Perak doesn't recognise federal village panels - NST

IPOH: Aug 8, 2008

The Pakatan Rakyat state government does not recognise Federal Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKP), claiming the bodies were set up to cause disunity among villagers.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said residents having problems should contact the state-run Village, Development and Security Committees (JKKK), district offices or penghulu offices.

"We have given residents the opportunity to elect village heads whom they feel are capable and able to carry out their duties efficiently," he said after presenting appointment letters to 817 village heads here yesterday.

Present were state Education, Local Government, Housing and Public Transport Committee chairman Nga Kor Ming, Higher Education, Science, Technology and Communications Committee chairman Thomas Su and state secretary Datuk Abdul Rahman Hashim.

Of the number, 700 are new faces, comprising retired civil servants and politicians (some of whom are from Umno). They will serve for two years.
Previously,village heads were appointed by the menteri besar.

He said to avoid problems, the JKKKPs were barred from using public facilities as they had been instances of members abusing them.

Rural and Regional Development Minister Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib had said Federal Government-appointed village heads would not cause conflict as their duties would not overlap those appointed by the state government.