More challenging responsibilities of village heads due to rapid development of technology

The responsibilities of a village headman are seen to be more challenging now following the rapid development in the era of technology which enables information to be spread in the blink of an eye.

UMNO deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the rapid development also required the village heads to know of their roles in using the information for the development of the community.

In addition, the people also wanted the village heads to explain the government policies implemented at the grassroot level, said the Pagoh Member of Parliament.

"The people always want to know about the current developments. They want to know the response regarding several issues that crop up within the community today, whether they concern the national administration, leadership, the society, economy, races and so on.

"These are basic things which we should know and are aware of and explain to them, especially in a village where a major portion of the people are working, some of them holding high positions, educated and have vast knowledge," he said when opening the 15th General Meeting of the Johor State Village Heads at the Kompleks Seri Pekembar, Pagoh, here today.

Muhyiddin said it was important for the village heads to give commitment in explaining various issues and problems especially in ensuring that the country continues to be peaceful and prosperous.

"If you do not know (of the problems), ask around because this is the challenge facing us as leaders in the present era.

"I also hope that village leaders can cooperate with the state and central government to develop Johor into a prosperous and peaceful state," he said.

Also present were the president of the Johor Village Heads Association Rosli Kasmin; Pagoh Wanita Umno division head Senator Datuk Noriah Mahat and Muar District Officer Ramlee A Rahman.