KOTA KINABALU: A non-governmental organisation, the Kadazan Dusun Murut Malaysia (KDM Malaysia), may be taking on a new role this year, if everything goes well.
Realising that the organisation needs to beef up its roles in uplifting the KDM’s socio-economy and creating a louder voice to express its needs, its president, Datuk Peter Anthony, has reiterated the call to be one of the Barisan Nasional component parties.
“KDM Malaysia is seen as a strong and vital force in determining the future of the indigenous people in Sabah. And I believe that we will have a stronger voice as a political party.
“I also realise that our intention may raise some discomfort among the existing component parties in Sabah, especially the KDM-based ones, but let’s put our differences aside, and I hope they will be professional and accept us as part of the team. Together we may come up with new methods to strengthen BN’s hold in Sabah and regain the people’s trust,” he told reporters after the KDM Malaysia annual general meeting on Saturday night. Anthony said they would be submitting the reports of the AGM, along with the motions tabled, to the Registrar of Societies (ROS) by next month, before proceeding with the application to turn KDM Malaysia into a political party.
“The procedure may take some time, but we are confident that BN will not refuse us considering that we have been supporting the ruling coalition since the inception of KDM Malaysia,” he said.
When asked if KDM Malaysia is also eyeing for candidacies in the next general election, Anthony replied: “Let’s just take one step at a time. It is still a long way to go. We want to ensure that everything is in order before taking that next step. Whether I am considering to stand or not, that will be determined when the right time comes.”
During the AGM, KDM Malaysia also tabled the motion to set up branches at all districts statewide. Both motions were passed and agreed unanimously. At the event, apart from Anthony, seven others retained their posts uncontested, namely Datuk Kinjos Duit (deputy president); the three vice presidents Ahuar Rasam, Datuk Juil Nuatim and Michael Ubu; Joseph Anthony (honorary treasurer); Aziliana Ying @ Kaying (honorary secretary); and Henry Saimpon (youth chief).
There are three new faces namely Azman Ruslan who defeated Mohd Zinin Adong Ajak for the information chief post; Roziah Dangku defeated Vivian Making for the assistant honorary secretary post; and Naimah Malintang took over the young women’s chief post from Farrabe Abu Bakar. The 15 supreme council members are Vitalis Gulabok Bingkasan, Jasnin Suman, Florence LRM Ebbie, Masly Dangku, Nixboy Piunin, Donneysius Ansuku, Michael Angkui @ Abel, Abu Bakar Ellah, Anton Laga, Mudi Dubing, Jaikol Pondok, Ampulas Kaluhu, Lazarus Anthony, Ebby Roy Raimon and Justin Juani.
Earlier in his speech, Anthony thanked the members for their continuous faith in him and he viewed the post as a responsibility. He pledged to work equally hard and ensure the KDM community’s welfare is protected.
“But I cannot do it alone, and work with me and ensure that KDM Malaysia stays relevant forever,” he said.