KDM College

Association calls for the setting up of KDM College

Kota Marudu: Newly-appointed President of Sabah Kadazandusun Murut Welfare and Education Association (Pekadin), Newmond Tibin, proposed the setting up of "KDM College" to project the role of the community, particularly in the area of education as Malaysia moves towards a developed country by 2020.

He said it would be an avenue for KDM students and other Bumiputera students who failed to get into institutions of higher learning to acquire skills.

Newmond said this was also in line with the Education NKRA, under the Government Transformation Programme (GTP), aimed at improving students' performance in schools in addition to providing them with access to better quality education.

"Nothing is impossible...we have to start somewhere in order to make this proposal a reality. Perhaps we can start with a small KDM college before embarking on a bigger enrolment.

"The KDM community through this proposed college should be part and parcel of the institutions of higher learning to spearhead the advancement of education development or human capital development in the country," he said in his remarks at the launching of Pekadin and the handing-over of a computer set donated by Pekadin to SK Damai, near here.

Pekadin Advisor, Latif Kandok, launched the newly registered association and later handed over the computer to the SK Damai headmaster.

In this respect, Newmond urged the Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry and political parties such as Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), United Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) to ponder and explore the possibility of initiating the establishment of the KDM college.

Citing Wawasan Open University (initiated by Gerakan), Tunku Abdul Rahman College (MCA) and the proposed Umno College as an example, he said the proposed KDM College was appropriate and timely as the community moved forward for a better future through education.

The proposed KDM college is also hoped to complement Government's effort in nation building through the training of much needed skilled manpower, he said.

Meanwhile, Latif, praised Pekadin committee members for their efforts to form the association, among others, aimed at helping to protect and safeguard the interests of the Kadazandusun and Murut community with regard to the welfare and education in Sabah.

He hoped Pekadin would be able to draw up programmes to achieve its desired aims, especially in the education arena.

The association, which was formed to complement the efforts by the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) led by Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, is open to the Dusuns, Kadazans, Muruts, Rungus or related ethnic groups in the state.

Latif also announced the Pekadin's office bearers for 2011-2012, who apart from Newmond also include Nailin Gabintal (deputy president), Edward Binbang, Luis Lidong, Labidah Eulit (vice presidents), Etam Salunda (secretary), Zainal Kuminding (treasurer), Timah Dusip (information chief) and committee members - Simon Lohud, Simon Malubi, Jowo B. Makandung, Merriel Melancolico, Norazmi Zainal and Zubair Bin Abdullah.

Adapted From: Daily Express News Paper

Picture: Daily Express