DAP Sabah calls for the BN government to abolish the system of appointing village chiefs or ketua kampong and have them elected through a democratic process instead. In this way villagers can choose their leaders based on their merit and abilities.

Kg Tambatuon Ketua Kampong Singkui Tinggi is a good example. Mr Tinggi, who had been the ketua kampong for 44 years has done an excellent job. He has created a harmonious community with discipline and good culture.

Kg Tambatuon is not only a clean and beautiful kampong, it is also pollution-free and free from social problems. Tinggi has banned the use of cigarattes and alcohols in his village. They have built a SIB church with the village fund without assistance from the government. They have a 'tagal system" in place where open fishing is only allowed twice a year.

What more could you ask from a ketua kampong who has done such remarkable work for the community?

    

Sadly, even with such outstanding credentials Tinggi was sacked with immediate notice simply because he represented the community of Kg Tambatuon in voicing against the proposed Tambatuon dam project. This is plain injustice to him, his people and the village.

It is very obvious that BN only appoints ketua kampong who follow their instructions and directives. Basically the government wants yes-man chiefs.

I have high regard for saudara Singkui Tinggi. What he is doing in opposing the dam project is for his people and their heritage.

The writer is DAP Sabah Assistant Secretary.