PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Rina Harun was forced to defend herself when several delegates booed her during her winding up speech at the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) annual general assembly on Sunday.
The Bersatu Srikandi (women’s) chief was touching on the issue of the newly set up Village Community Management Councils (MPKK), which replaced the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK), when she was interrupted by a series of boos.
It is learnt that during the debate sessions earlier, several delegates had voiced their displeasure over Rina, who is Rural and Regional Development Minister, and the appointment of village heads in a number of opposition states.
It is understood that the village head roles in states such as Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu dan Pahang, were given to non-Pakatan Harapan (PH) members. This apparently sparked dissatisfaction among Bersatu members, who felt that they were being sidelined.
Speaking on the dissatisfaction showed by several delegates, Rina said her ministry decided to do away with the JKKK and replace it with the MPKK, as they wanted to avoid a scenario where there are ‘two villages in one village’.
She said the matter was discussed many times and even after the MPPK was implemented, the ministry also took in the view of adding five more MPKK members, which was brought to the Cabinet meeting.
“When the Cabinet approved this, some people then demanded that these positions should be given to PH, instead of Pas.
“I accept all views. We will try from time to time to improve the management of the MPKK,” she said.
She said the MPKK was introduced to help the people. Under the JKKK system, villagers would face problems if a village head isn’t around when they need assistance.
Now under the MPKK, it isn’t just village heads who can sign forms. MPKK can do so too, making it easier for the villagers,” she said.
Throughout her explanation, Rina was interrupted several times by a number of delegates who appeared unhappy with her explanation.
Several delegates also demonstrated their dissatisfaction when Rina revealed that some individuals from the state leadership had sent her letters to appeal for some people to be exempted from the Community Development Department (Kemas) management revamp.
Rina, however, kept her composure and asked for patience. She also maintained that the Kemas reshuffle would still be carried out.