SARAWAK Deputy Chief Minister Douglas Uggah Embas has slammed Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin claim that the state government was withholding the monthly allowance of some tuai rumah (village or longhouse chief) “because they are supporters of Pakatan Harapan”.

Before departing for Kuala Lumpur after attending the Harapan Sarawak Baru dinner last night, Zuraida had called on the state government to handle the allowance payment “professionally”. 

In a statement today, Uggah said Zuraida must have based her claims on what she had been told by members of the Bintulu Longhouse Welfare Association.

Uggah said Zuraida should have sought clarifications from the state before making her allegations.

By going straight to the media, Uggah said, the minister appeared to be deliberately tarnishing the image of the state government.

“I wish to assure the minister that the appointment of tuai rumah in Sarawak has always been professionally done.

“We have our own terms and conditions to follow. As long as they meet them, we have no problem in appointing them,” Uggah said.

“My advice to Zuraida is to meet and discuss with the state government. Then, she can get the clarifications to enlighten her on the procedures and not be taken in by unfair allegations.”

Uggah added he had received confirmation from the Bintulu division that all “legally appointed” tuai rumah had their allowances paid regularly.

He said since 2013, their allowances have been disbursed through the payroll system.

“They will receive their allowances regularly each month until the expiry of their appointments,” Uggah said.

“Zuraida is most welcome to seek official clarifications before making allegations to the media.”

Payment of salaries and allowances of community leaders have been a bone of contention between the federal and state government after last year’s general election.

Prior to that, the federal government, via the rural and regional development ministry, and the state government shared the payments 50-50.

However, after the May 9 election, the PH government said it would only disburse its share to community leaders picked by the people under their charge, otherwise, the state government must pick up 100% of the payment.

Longhouse chiefs receive about RM900 a month for a term that lasts a maximum four years, or with a two-year extension. – July 29, 2019.