by David E.
TENOM: Oct 13, 2026 — A total of 91 customary chiefs under the Native Court of the Melalap state constituency received their letters of appointment today, with 41 new faces joining 50 existing office-holders to strengthen services at the village level.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, who is also the Melalap assemblyman, said the appointments were made based on the ability to serve the community and recommendations of more suitable candidates at the village level.
“This time, I did not look at political affiliation or other matters. I retained 50 existing office-holders because they can work together with the community.
“In the 41 new appointments, it does not mean that those not appointed cannot work, but perhaps there were better candidates proposed at the village level,” he said at the presentation ceremony of appointment letters for Native Court customary chiefs of the Melalap state constituency at Hotel Perkasa Tenom today.
To the recipients, Jamawi stressed that the letter was not merely a piece of paper.
“This is not a source of pride, but this appointment is a trust and a great responsibility that must be shouldered in providing the best service to the community at the village level,” he said.
He said the appointment of Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) in the Melalap state constituency was completed two months ago, while the Native Court matter is now also completed. Village programmes will be mobilised at the end of this year to enhance public understanding of the ministry’s initiatives and the direction of Sabah Maju Jaya.
In a separate programme, Jamawi presented football equipment contributions to the SAFA Tenom under-12 (U12) and under-15 (U15) teams.
Also present were Tenom District Officer Alexzander Liew; District Chief OKK Tusip Tulas and Community Development Leaders Denesly Justin and Wajahim Simon, Melalap state constituency administrative officer and all customary title holders.
