SRI AMAN: Rural Development Assistant Minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis has called on people to take full advantage of a series of development programmes brought forth by the government. People must take their own initiative to move forward instead of sitting on their laurels waiting for government subsidies and other financial aid to come by.

“We must be independent, having the drive to flourish and prosper in the industrial, business, agriculture, education and tourism sectors among others,” said Harden during the National Anti Drug Agency (AADK) meeting-the-community programme at Kampung Sabu recently.He also said government’s effort to constantly bring in development and improve the lifestyle of the people would be futile if the people are reluctant to play a proactive role.

Harden, who is also Simanggang assemblyman, also said that the people should also be up todate on current trends as the country is heading towards Vision 2020. He emphasised the importance of information technology in this era of globalisation.

Harden pointed out that Village Security and Development Committees (JKKK) are representatives of the government at grassroots level. “JKKK is the best channel for the government in their bid to reach out to target groups,” he said. Also present were Simanggang SUPP Youth member Patrick Micheal Dian, Cr Sawing Sumar, Tuai Rumah Ellie of Kampung Sabu and other community leaders.