| Izah Azahari |
THE lowered age limit to fill the vacancies for Mukim penghulus and village heads in the country has been reduced from 45 to 30 years with immediate effect, in a bid to attract high-calibre youth candidates to fill in the posts. The upper cut off age remains at 55.
The amendment was announced by Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong during a Muzakarah session at the official residence of the Temburong District Officer as part of a Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MoHA) working visit to the district.
Developments on the Service Scheme for Mukim penghulus and village heads of Brunei Darussalam were discussed at the session.
The MoHA delegation was led by Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar. Legislative Council members Yang Berhormat Naim bin Haji Kamis, Yang Berhormat Haji Mohimin bin Haji Johari @ Jahari and Yang Berhormat Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu; permanent secretaries; deputy permanent secretaries; senior officers at the MoHA; and officers from the Temburong District Office comprised the delegation.
The working visit was conducted to observe facilities provided by the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and latest developments in the Temburong District.
It was also conducted to strengthen ties among the MoHA delegation, Mukim and Village Consultative Council (MPMK) members, the Temburong District Office and Temburong grassroots leaders.
Other matters discussed under the Service Scheme included the extension of service for a total of 169 Mukim penghulus and village heads who were appointed in their posts on December 23, 2017 by six months; the Board of Posts; the conduct assessment procedures for Mukim penghulus and village heads to expedite the filling of vacancies within the allotted timeframe.
The government hopes to fill penghulu and village head posts with youth to enhance integrity, quality and effectiveness within the Mukim penghulu and village head institution.
The Minister of Home Affairs said the ministry will continue to disseminate information on the Service Scheme via roadshows on posts, duties and responsibilities of the Mukim penghulus and village heads as well as election and voting procedures for candidates.
The delegation also visited several Mukims and villages to take a closer look at ‘One Village, One Product’ (1K1P) business activities and products. The delegation visited the Pekan Bangar Village Shop to view 1K1P products from the Temburong District.
The group also visited the Kampong Menengah Community Hall in Mukim Bangar to observe the production of mini curry puffs followed by Kampong Belais and Buda-Buda in Mukim Bokok to check on the development of its fishing and leisure huts.
The delegation also visited Semabat Longhouse in Mukim Bokok to tour a handicraft exhibition and observed the making of kuih jala and machete crafting followed by a visit to Kampong Senukoh in Mukim Labu to view the production of Mee Kuning – a product of Senukoh Mukim Consultative Council.
The group also visited Kampong Batu Apoi in Mukim Batu Apoi to view the production of Ambulung.
The delegation’s visit concluded with a mass Zohor prayer at the Batu Apoi Mosque.