Education and trade development for the people pledge: Ewon
Published on: Tuesday, August 13, 2024
By: Sherell Jeffrey
“We have improved the study of Kadazandusun language in schools today by expanding the initiative to introduce textbooks and workbooks according to district ethnic languages, starting with Kadazan, Timogun, Tatana and Lotud,” Ewon said.
PENAMPANG: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) President, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the party is committed to prioritising education and entrepreneurship development for the people.
“Not a single child of Upko members and the general public should be left behind in obtaining education at least up to secondary school,” he said in his policy speech at the Upko National Convention 2024 held at the Penampang Cultural Centre, here, last Sunday.
ADVERTISEMENT
He praised the efforts of Upko’s Education Bureau, which has been collaborating with government agency-related foundations to coordinate the delivery of early schooling and study assistance.
“We have improved the study of Kadazandusun language in schools today by expanding the initiative to introduce textbooks and workbooks according to district ethnic languages, starting with Kadazan, Timogun, Tatana and Lotud,” he said.
He noted several educational initiatives, including special funding for ethnic language students at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris in collaboration with Yayasan Bank Rakyat and a special intake promotion for students from Sabah and Sarawak for studies at the Malaysian University of Cooperative Entrepreneurship.
He also expressed plans to implement the Ehsan @ Kuskop Programme to help children from hardcore poor families’ access education.
ADVERTISEMENT
Additionally, he noted the establishment of the Native Affairs Bureau, which aims to propose higher education modules for Native Court administration and improve the quality of content at the Native Court Training Institute.
“This is our contribution and commitment to the goals of our Party’s establishment, as I said at last year’s convention, to give major focus to the development of education and entrepreneurship of the people,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Upko is open to all communities that accept the party’s purpose and goals. We will continue to empower the involvement of young people and women in party leadership by upholding a culture of meritocracy.
“Technology and innovation competition and artificial intelligence now dominate global governance patterns. Economic and political competition is becoming increasingly complex and challenging,” he said.
In response to these challenges, he called for the party to plan high-level leadership discipline and quality without compromising our original identity.
“We must build the substance of our members and our people. Our party’s goal demands that we adhere to principled leadership and are committed to providing focused, brave, and sincere service.
"Principled-oriented leadership and servanthood leadership refined with common-sense leadership is the party’s leadership philosophy,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Upko’s stance on Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), pointing out the party’s commitment to securing Sabah’s 40 per cent share of Federal revenue and restoring Sabah and Sarawak’s representation to at least one-third of seats in the Dewan Rakyat.
On addressing people’s issues, he said the party is committed to addressing key issues affecting the people.
He urged party leaders to access government offices to obtain information and submit recommendations related to these issues.
“Let’s become part of the solution to these problems and needs of the people,” he said, encouraging party members to complement the efforts of government and non-government institutions.
Addressing the upcoming end of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly’s term next year, he called for party members to work diligently.
He stressed the need for wise consideration of current political dynamics before making decisions.
“Our party, although perhaps considered small by our other friends, must inspire this country,” he said, emphasising resilience and the importance of uplifting others in success.
“Today’s national and state political dynamics demand wise consideration from the party. As President, I must be responsible for these considerations.
We will consider and deliberate on all considerations before we make a decision when the time comes.
“Leadership starts from home – leadership begins at home, with Upko as our home and party members as our family and this country as our extended family.
“When we fall, we must rise and continue our march. When we succeed, we lift those who want to succeed. We lead our people, even with challenging trials,” he said.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
