KDM Malaysia not bowing to critics

KENINGAU: The leadership of Kadazandusun and Murut (KDM) Malaysia will not bow down to all the criticisms being levelled at the non-governmental organization (NGO) by various quarters as it is sincere in helping the less fortunate, said its deputy president Datuk Peter Anthony.

He said there is a need to counter media statements by certain leaders here who accused the group of hiding behind an NGO in order for it to spread a different agenda to the people.


“We, in the KDM Malaysia, will not bow down to any individuals, including political leaders, especially those from outside, who like to criticize programmes that we organize for the benefit of the people.

“As for me, personally, whatever comments made by (leaders of) Barisan Nasional component parties as well as the opposition, I will openly take them with caution, knowing that what we do is sincerely for the people, especially the KDM population,” he said when officiating at the district-level KDM Karnival Jelajah Sabah Ceremony that was held at the Gerakan Daya Wawasan (GDW) Kampung Bayangan here yesterday

Rather than criticizing, as members of the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, Peter said, all the component parties should instead welcome every special task of the KDM Malaysia personnel considering their efforts, working day and night without any pay.

Meanwhile, Keingau Umno Youth chief, who is also KDM Malaysia chairman for Keningau, Azman Haji Ruslan further suggested that leaders of other BN component parties should know better than to create unnecessary controversies.

“What is more surprising is the fact that those comments are being made by leaders from the KDM ethnic groups when it is clear that they need to adopt a diplomatic solution to the matter instead,” he said.

Azman said the people must be aware that the establishment of the KDM Malaysia was aimed at lifting the dignity of the Kadazandusun Murut people so that they can reach a higher ground in various terms.

“Our main objective is to lift our people to a higher ground so that we may learn to view our surroundings from a higher point of view, thus enabling us to be more competitive with other races,” he said.

In the event, Peter and Azman distributed aid in terms of cash and rice to 150 elderly people, less fortunate and physically challenged villagers from Kg Bayangan and the surrounding areas.

Also present at the event were KDM Malaysia secretary-general Michael Ubu, KDM Malaysia Youth chief Henry Soimpon, GDW Kampung Bayangan chairman Haji Kaipin Rosmin and Keningau Umno Youth vice chief Rahmadin Mohd Yassin.

The Borneo Post