PENAMPANG: UPKO will continue to ensure the quota for KadazanDusun and Murut in the civil service is maintained, said its secretary general Datuk Donald Mojuntin.
He said a study on the civil service showed that the number of KDM in high ranking posts is on the decline as many have retired or will be retiring.
“There is the worry that the number of KDM in high ranking posts will be minimal if those who are qualified are not promoted to fill in the vacancies,” Donald said.
“We have forwarded a memorandum on the matter to the state government and hope the appointment of KDM is done fairly so that no race will feel sidelined,” he said when met at UPKO president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok’s Christmas Day Open House at Putaton here yesterday.
He added that UPKO was still relevant as a political party that is fighting for the right of the KDM community.
“Support for UPKO is still strong despite the fact that it lost a few seats in the 13th general election,” Donald, who is former Moyog assemblyman, said.
“There are a few contributing factors to UPKO’s defeat in these areas but we can address them, and I believe UPKO still has the support of the people, especially the KDM,” he said.
When asked to comment about the Kaiduan Dam proposal which is being protested by a large number of people here, Donald said he too was against the construction of the dam which is said to have adverse effect on many quarters.
“I personally am against the construction of the dam as many people will be affected, but we have to remember that there is no official result on the proposal yet. However, if it is to be implemented, all those involved and with interest will be given the opportunity to air their grouses,” he pointed out.