| James Kon |
VILLAGE residents are urged to cast votes for mukim penghulus and village heads in their respective areas, given that the required voter turnout is at least 1/3 of the total number of registered voters who are eligible to vote.
The importance of voter turnout was highlighted by Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, during a discussion session with mukim penghulus and village heads yesterday, at the Brunei-Muara District Office. Also present were Legislative Council (LegCo) members, Deputy Permanent Secretary and the Brunei-Muara District Officer Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim.
The discussion session was aimed at providing a better understanding on the latest developments on the Mukim Consultative Council and the Village Head Service Scheme, along with the vacancies for the posts of mukim penghulus and village heads.
In his remarks, the minister expressed the hope that more youthful candidates would be available for the posts of mukim penghulus and village heads, to be advertised early next month.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) welcomes mukim penghulus and village heads who will be ending their services to apply for a further nomination,” he said.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary (Municipal and District) at the MoHA Salminan bin Haji Burut, announced that there are eight vacancies for mukim penghulus and 44 for village heads in the Brunei-Muara District, to be advertised on October 1.
He also said that the services of 169 mukim penghulus and village heads nationwide have been extended for 18 months until June 22, 2019, and that the age requirement for potential candidates has been lowered from 45-55 years to 30-55 years.
Discussion sessions will also take place in the Tutong and Belait districts today, with roadshows to be held on October 1 in the Brunei-Muara District, October 2 in the Belait District, October 3 in the Tutong District and October 4 in the Temburong District.
Members of the public who wish to nominate their choice of candidates can obtain forms at their respective district offices, which must be submitted before October 31.