KOTA KINABALU: There is no political agenda behind the setting up of the Madani Village Development Committee (JKDM), says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In fact, the Deputy Prime Minister said JKDM was established to complement the existing Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK).

“Allegation that JKDM will divide the grassroots is not true. We do not want to compete or seek a different path. It is on the contrary (because) we actually aim to complement and add what already exists,” he told reporters after launching the Sepanggar Umno division meeting in Karambunai, near here, on Saturday (June 22).

Ahmad Zahid said the purpose of setting up the JKDM was to strengthen the grassroots so that the needs of marginalised people can be addressed.

“The Sabah government has the KKK, (so) we established JKDM to strengthen the support for the people, particularly the rural folks,” said the Rural and Regional Development Minister.

Ahmad Zahid’s announcement on the setting of JKDM in May had received backlash from Sabah politicians, describing it as duplicating the JKKKs’ roles.

He added that further clarifications will be provided about JKDM.

"In fact, there are three states where we have the same formula in Penang and Selangor, we have the same approach. There have been no issues in those states because they understand our intentions.

"In Sabah, I think further explanations will be given and I hope there will be acceptance here. Our only aim is to strengthen grassroots administration," he said.

In another development, Ahmad Zahid said the federal government will continue to increase allocation to the state, on top of the RM2.4mil which has been channelled towards improving water supply in Sabah.

“The allocation has been channelled last month to repair and change the water pipes. However, changing these pipes will go to waste if there is insufficient water supply.

“Therefore, the federal and state governments would coordinate the matter and ensure there is sufficient water supply in Sabah,” he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/22/no-political-agenda-behind-madani-village-development-committee-says-zahid