KAPIT: The government has been urged to choose a new Temenggong for Kapit based on the wishes of the people.
The position of Temenggong was left vacant following the demise of Temenggong Lau Kah Kee on Dec 12, 2013.
“In the spirit of 1Malaysia, ‘People First Performance Now’, when appointing Chinese community leaders be it Kapitan, Penghulu, Pemanca or Temenggong, the government should listen to the voice of the community. The candidate must be nominated by the Chinese community,” said Sng Chee Eng, who is a former Temenggong.
“The candidate must be of good character and behaviour, high morals, respected, well-educated, and someone who resides permanently in Kapit and is willing to serve with dedication and commitment.”
According to him, Kapit folk do not want someone who is not from the area to be appointed to the post.
Sng said the appointment of the Temenggong should not be used as a reward for any individual, stressing that the government should consider the grassroots reaction.
He added that the post should be filled as soon as possible as the people require the Temenggong’s services.
“When school reopened on January second, many parents were frustrated because they couldn’t find a senior Chinese community leader who is authorised to certify government application forms for school.
“As a result, it caused a lot of inconvenience. Previously, the late Temenggong Lau, with his service centre at Orchard Restaurant, dealt with everyone regardless of race or religious creed who needed his assistance.”
Sng was Temenggong from March 2003 to September 2007.