Daniel Lim
The drive-through vote casting for Kampong Sungai Liang’s new village head ran like clockwork at the SPARK Multi-Purpose Hall yesterday, following a recent briefing enlightening residents on the new voting and election process.
The sole candidate for the position was Mohammad Haszrin bin Bagol, a 34-year-old Bachelor’s Degree in (Usuluddin) graduate from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA).
Mohammad Haszrin was previously a substitute bilal at Kampong Sungai Liang Mosque, and involved in religious and communal activities in the village.
The voting had initially kicked off online on February 11 via the PMKK e-voting system. On the last day yesterday, the remaining Kampong Sungai Liang residents cast their votes via paper ballots and tablets.
Witnessing the voting and election process were Acting Belait District Officer Mohamad Yassin bin Haji Ahmed, who was accompanied by Legislative Council member cum Penghulu of Mukim Liang Yang Berhormat Haji Abdul Hamid bin Haji Mumin.
Head of the Local Authorities and Communities Division (District) at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) Jaimah binti Tuah and acting village heads from across Mukim Liang also attended.
Mohamad Yassin highlighted the importance of a village head, adding that he “serves as a role model for the community, and is the two-way connection between government agencies and the village.
“As the leader, the village head must work hard to ensure harmony and unity among the village community. He must also be forward-thinking in developing the village”.
Meanwhile, Yang Berhormat Haji Abdul Hamid expressed hopes the newly elected village head will continue to strive to meet the needs of Kampong Sungai Liang village community.
The voting closed at 11am yesterday with a 140 votes corralled. Of this, 70 residents had voted in favour of Mohammad Haszrin, 67 had voted against him, while three votes were disqualified.
The result will be forwarded to the Board of Appointment, Discipline and Procedures for Mukim Penghulu and Village Head at the MoHA for the next step in the selection process.
