MIRI: Community leaders must embrace their roles with sincerity and integrity, placing responsibility above personal ambition, said Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom.
Speaking at the Thanksgiving Night in Honour of Temenggong Boniface Bada at Grand Palace Hotel Miri, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen reminded that grassroots leaders play a vital role in uplifting the Dayak community and ensuring it progresses in line with other communities.
“Community leaders must know their duties and be honest about whether they are capable of carrying them out. Do not be obsessed with power but fail to serve effectively,” he stressed.
He further emphasised that leaders must be open to change and innovation to avoid being left behind.
“We must help each other to ensure our people progress as well. Everyone has a role, and leaders must be truly competent and sincere in their service,” he added.
Dato Sri Dr. Stephen also took the opportunity to commend Temenggong Boniface Bada, who was celebrated during the event following his appointment as Temenggong Iban for Miri Division.
“Temenggong Boniface once lived as an ordinary man who worked hard. With his determination, he proved himself worthy of becoming a Temenggong,” he said, describing him as a role model for perseverance and dedication.
The thanksgiving celebration reflected the community’s appreciation of Temenggong Boniface’s service and his commitment to leadership at the grassroots level.
The event also served as a platform to strengthen ties among leaders and community members in Miri Division.
The evening was filled with camaraderie and goodwill, serving both as a celebration of Temenggong Boniface’s appointment and as a reminder of the values of sincerity, integrity, and responsibility in grassroots leadership.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr. Penguang Manggil, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Garawat Gala, and Mayor of Miri, Adam Yii Siew Sang. -UKASnews
