Published on: Monday, February 13, 2006 |
The aim to produce a graduate from each Dusun Lotud family is not impossible to attain if the community is committed, United Sabah Dusun Association (Usda) Senator Datuk Kalakau Untol said.
He said the opportunity in education nowadays is huge and available almost everywhere.
"We could also gain education while working full time just as long as we put our minds and hearts into achieving it," he said.
Based on a study carried out by Usda, he said there are only about 319 graduates so far from among the Lotud community in Tuaran, excluding those currently studying at the Institutes of Higher Learning (IPT).
Nevertheless, he said the community could still be proud of those who have held important posts in the Government.
Among them include former Head of State Tun Hamdan Abdullah, former Deputy State Secretary Datuk Monggoh Orow and Tuaran's first former District Officer Dr George Anson Kunjan.
"But a mere mention of these names is not enough because we need to enhance the number of graduates among us," he stressed.
He said the Dusun Lotud community has been following with keen interest the current development.
Citing culture, he said the Lotud's could assist the Government in its halatuju particularly in tourism.
He said the rumah adat (customary house) could be turned into a tourism-generating site if it is planned properly together with tourism authorities such as the Sabah Tourism Board (STB).
Kalakau said the rituals that are carried out almost every month at the customary house could be included into the state's tourism calendar.
"Regardless of our religious background, we (Lotud) cannot deny that almost all of us have gone through the customary and traditional practices in our lives," he said.
In this respect, he said it is only fitting that members of the Lotud people, who have served for the sake of elevating the community, were given recognition.
Hajiji, who is also Sulaman Assemblyman, meanwhile, said that he is committed to help and assist all the people under his constituency irrespective of race and religion.
He also reminded the people to remain united and continue living in harmony.
At the same time, he pledged RM50,000 from his Adun's fund for repair works on the rumah adat including another RM50,000 to upgrade a 0.5km road that would be selected by Kalakau.
Also present were Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Jahid Jahim, Tuaran MP Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau and Tuaran Barisan Nasional (BN) Chairman, Datuk Wilfred Mojilip Bumburing.
