BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

A VILLAGE head is supposed to act as the bridge that connects the community in the village with the government to care for and look after those living in the village under his protection, according to the Acting District Officer of the Brunei-Muara District.

Md Sunadi Hj Buntar gave a speech during the Kampung Madang, Mukim Berakas B election yesterday at the new Masjid Suri Seri Begawan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit, which was won by Hj Emran Hj Ismail.

“The holder of this position will serve as a communicator, and not only act as the “eyes”, “ears” and the “tongue”, but also act as the “legs” and “arms” of the government and the residents of his village, with the purpose of protecting and monitoring the interests and safety of the village under his care,” said the acting district officer.

He added that the village head must be responsible for creating, maintaining and sustaining the understanding, unity and the harmony of living in a community, while encouraging cooperation and teamwork between the villagers.

Hj Emran, 61-years-old, was a Senior Medical Records Officer at the Ministry of Health before retiring in March 2008. The new Village Head won the election with 71.92 per cent of the votes and has lived in the village for over 20 years.

The other candidate for the position was Hj Awg Ismail Hj Awg Mohammad, 46-years-old, was a cleaner on His Majesty Sultan’s Flight before retiring in 2011, and has been living in the village for 11 years.

The Kampung Madang village head post was held by the village head of Kampung Manggis I and II Mejar (Rtd) Pg Hj Idros Pg Hj Mahmud since October 2012, with the previous village head Pg Hj Ali Pg Maon being promoted to Penghulu of Mukim Berakas ‘B’ in May 2012.

A total of 292 residents of Kampung Madang casted their votes for the election.

The Brunei Times