GEORGE TOWN: The appointment of community mobilisers in local councils is an extension of the National Community Policy programme, the Housing and Local Government Ministry said today.
Its minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said the question of it (the appointment) stripping away powers of the local council and overlapping of functions does not arise.
Responding to Gabungan Demokrasi Tempatan, which had questioned if the move to appoint the representatives (known as PeKT) was tantamount to "abuse of power for political gain", Zuraida said the group had missed the point.
"It is an extension of our National Community Policy programme. This is phase two.
"The community mobilisers are not reporting to the local government or the state government for the matter, but directly to the ministry.
"This is good for the community as well because we empower them so that they know what the government's policies and benefits are. It is something that is good meant to raise the standard of the community.
"They shouldn't be going against this because they don't understand this appointment," she told newsmen here today.
She was met after handing over appointment letters to some 124 PeKT from Penang, Selangor and Negri Sembilan at the Lexis Hotel here.
Yesterday, Gabungan Demokrasi Tempatan, or Dekat, in questioning the move, had suggested that Zuraida might be overstepping her ministerial role.
The group had also urged all state governments to protest against the ministry's decision, while the (PH-controlled) state governments of Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Penang should take legal action against Zuraida and her ministry to stop such actions.
It had also called on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to launch an investigation into Zuraida on grounds of abuse of power.
Zuraida meanwhile said the community mobilisers involved much engagement with the community.
"Things like MDG (Millennium Development Goal) and SDG (Sustainable Development Goal).. the public do not know what all these are.
"It's time for Malaysians to be aware of all these international goals and policies with regards to community empowerment and environmental empowerment.
"This is where our community mobilisers can play their roles effectively," adding that a RM10,000 allocation is given annually per unit for organising and coordinating, and the same time take up leadership roles in making sure the community is empowered.
Each community mobiliser head will be given a RM2,000 allowance as part of management expenses.