Kota Kinabalu: State Minister of Community Development and People’s Wellbeing (KPMKR) and Sugut Assemblyman, Datuk James Ratib, said neither Crisnanalina Jumis nor her family members reached out to him for help.
Speaking after RM3,000 was handed to her last week to help in her studies soon as her predicament became public knowledge, he said:
“As a leader in Sugut, I always help regardless of political affiliation. All that matters is to let me know.
“There is no obstacle to help those in need. The problem is if I wasn’t asked for help. Maybe it’s because of political differences, how do I know?” he said.
Nana receiving aid from James’ rep.
Daily Express understands that the family did not inform the Assemblyman’s office or the Community Leaders Unit (UPPM) of Sugut or the local representatives regarding the problems Crisnanalina Jumis, 20, faced.
“If I am not informed, I won’t even know what the problem is. I only found out about Crisnanalina when Daily Express reported the issue which went viral on social media,” James said.
“The Sugut people’s representatives were not informed by this family about the expenses problem they faced for their children who wanted to study.
“I am always open to help people in need, including hospital fees, not to mention the education of children in this area.
“That’s why I launched the Datuk James Ratib Education Fund (TDJR), recently, for the children of Sugut starting in 2025. I want no Sugut children to drop out of education and to continue their studies till university level,” he said.
“This fund will finance initial expenses, especially registration fees and initial payments. It will ease the family’s burden,” he said, adding there would then be no more problems like this.
James said it is impossible for him not to help if they (parents) contact him by phone, letter or meet him or his officials in Sugut.
