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Daily Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah moves to include Tatana, Kadazan Tangaa, Murut Timugon and Lotud in classrooms
Published on: Sunday, June 15, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 15, 2025 Text Size: PENAMPANG: The proposal to expand the Kadazandusun language curriculum in schools to include four other Sabah ethnic languages has been submitted to the Federal Government, said Upko President Datuk Ewon Benedick ( pic ). Ewon said the initiative, backed by groups including KLF, MNC and Sabah Ethnic Language Association, aims to strengthen the presence of ethnic languages in the education system. Advertisement The plan proposes the inclusion of Tatana (Kuala Penyu), Kadazan Tangaa (Penampang), Murut Timugon (Tenom), and Suang Lotud (Tuaran) alongside the existing Dusun Bunduliwan syllabus. He confirmed that Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has agreed to form a special committee to assess the proposal, with pilot programmes to begin in selected schools in relevant districts. Ewon, who is also Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, said funding has been allocated to support the development of modules, workbooks and textbooks for the four ethnic languages. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Ewon: Proposal submitted to teach four more Sabah ethnic languages in schools
PENAMPANG, June 15 — A proposal to expand the teaching of the Kadazandusun language subject in schools to include four other ethnic languages in Sabah has been submitted to the Federal Government for consideration, said Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Ewon Benedick. He said the four major ethnic languages proposed are the Tatana language in Kuala Penyu, Kadazan Tangaa in Penampang, Murut Timugon in Tenom and Dusun Lotud in Tuaran. The United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president said he, along with a delegation from Sabah, had held discussions with Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and the Ministry of Education delegation last year. 'Yang Berhormat Fadhlina subsequently agreed for a special committee under the Ministry of Education to be established to study this proposal. I will continue to follow up on all efforts to realise this initiative. 'Up to now, the Kadazandusun language subject in schools has been based solely on the Bunduliwan Dusun dialect,' he said in a statement after officiating the Odou do Kaamatan celebration at Kampung Mahandoi here today. Ewon said efforts to strengthen the ethnic language curriculum are ongoing initiatives involving various parties including the Kadazandusun Language Foundation (KLF), the Momogun National Congress (MNC), and the Sabah Ethnic Languages Association. He said his ministry is also supporting the effort through the allocation of special funding to four ethnic language associations for the development of modules, workbooks and textbooks. 'The teaching of these four Sabah ethnic languages can be implemented on a pilot basis in selected schools. For example, in Kuala Penyu, teaching the Tatana language would be more appropriate compared to using the Bunduliwan dialect,' he said. According to Ewon, Sabah could emulate the implementation of ethnic language education in government schools in Sarawak, which has piloted the teaching of the Iban and Bidayuh languages. 'Efforts in this direction are underway. A delegation from Sabah has also visited schools in Sarawak to observe first-hand the implementation of Bidayuh language teaching, in addition to the Iban language,' he said. — Bernama
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Daily Express
13-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Monitoring of Sabah GLCs must, says Upko
Published on: Friday, June 13, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 13, 2025 Text Size: Dennison added that ongoing financial losses directly impact investor confidence and the direction of state development. Kota Kinabalu: State government-linked companies (GLCs) in Sabah must undergo reform for the benefit of the people and the overall future of the state. The Treasurer-General of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko), Dennison R. Indang, said that GLCs should serve as catalysts for the people's economy – creating job opportunities, empowering local entrepreneurs, and contributing to state revenue. Advertisement However, he said, when governance is driven purely by political interests rather than efficiency, the original mission of these companies is significantly derailed. 'This situation erodes public confidence in the state's management capabilities and undermines our ability to deliver high-impact services and development. 'I welcome the call for Sabah's GLCs to undergo comprehensive and bold reforms. 'The reality is, far too many GLCs have failed to fulfil their original purpose. Not only are they failing to generate profits, but they have also become a financial burden on the state,' he said in a press statement here on Tuesday. Dennison added that ongoing financial losses directly impact investor confidence and the direction of state development. 'I believe it is time for a new approach in the management of Sabah's GLCs. Appointments to the Board of Directors must be based on merit and professionalism, not on who knows who. 'All investments and partnerships must undergo transparent evaluations, with priority given to their impact on the people. 'Underperforming GLCs should be reassessed, restructured, or terminated so that the state's resources can be used more wisely. 'In this regard, I welcome the establishment of the Sabah State GLC Monitoring Committee as announced by Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Julita Majungki,' he said firmly. Dennison, who is also the Upko Kota Kinabalu Division Chief, said this is an important step toward strengthening integrity, transparency, and accountability in GLC governance. He added that GLC reform is not just a matter of administration but also a matter of having the courage to make policy decisions that directly impact the well-being of the people and the strength of the state's economy. 'The people need leaders who not only understand policy issues but are also capable of pushing for structural changes in a bold and decisive manner. 'Upko is committed to being part of the solution. We believe that GLC reform is not an option – it is an urgent necessity. 'And to ensure the success of these changes, Sabah needs a leadership team that truly understands its responsibilities and is ready to carry the mandate,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Free Malaysia Today
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Set up foundation to honour Double Six crash victims, says Upko No 2
On June 6, 1976, a GAF Nomad aircraft carrying then Sabah chief minister Fuad Stephens and several state leaders crashed in Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu, killing all on board. (Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives pic) PETALING JAYA : The families of the victims of the 1976 Double Six tragedy are urging the federal government to establish a foundation as a meaningful recognition of the incident, which claimed the lives of 11 people, including then Sabah chief minister Fuad Stephens. Donald Peter Mojuntin, whose father Peter Mojuntin died in the crash, said taking the matter to court would be excessive and that the families were not making any unreasonable demands, Harian Metro reported. 'We just want proper recognition,' he was quoted as saying during the 49th anniversary memorial of the tragedy at the Double Six Monument in Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu. Donald Peter Mojuntin. Donald, who was also representing the families of the other victims, said the proposed foundation could serve to honour the victims and support their descendants, particularly in education and other areas of need. 'This would be a step forward,' the Upko deputy president said. He noted that the federal government has yet to take substantive action beyond offering letters of condolence. 'The state government has done its part from the beginning and looked after the families' welfare. We hope the federal government will do the same,' he said. Donald also called for the tragedy to be acknowledged as part of national history, not just Sabah's. 'Although it was a dark chapter, it deserves a place in our national history books, just like other major events in Malaysia,' he said. Sabah youth and sports minister Ellron Alfred Angin, who represented chief minister Hajiji Noor at the memorial, said this year's commemoration featured a poetry recital competition with 132 participants. He said there are plans to involve more young people, including students, in future events commemorating the incident. 'We also propose inviting a representative from the federal government to next year's 50th anniversary ceremony so they can better understand and appreciate the historical significance of this tragedy,' he said. On June 6, 1976, a GAF Nomad aircraft carrying Fuad and several state leaders crashed in Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu, killing all on board. The victims included state ministers Salleh Sulong, Chong Thien Vun and Peter. Investigations were conducted by Malaysian authorities, the aircraft's manufacturer GAF, and the Australian department of transport. However, their findings were not made public until April 2023. The Malaysian report found no evidence of sabotage, fire or explosion. The Australian report concluded that Sabah Air, the operator of the flight, was functioning illegally at the time, with its operations manual unapproved by the then federal civil aviation department.
The Star
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
'Strategic autonomy' for Sabah Pakatan in state polls a timely move, says Upko leader
KOTA KINABALU: The Prime Minister's decision to let Sabah Pakatan Harapan take the lead in facing the coming state election is a wise and timely move, says Upko. Its Youth chief Felix Joseph Saang said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent statement asking Sabah Pakatan to take the lead in electoral pact negotiations, among other matters, showed his confidence in the political maturity and capability of the coalition's state leaders. The decision to have Datuk Ewon Benedick leading these negotiations also acknowledges the need to let local leaders strategise based on Sabah's political realities and sentiments, he added in a statement on Wednesday (June 4). ALSO READ: All Pakatan matters on Sabah polls to be handled at state level, says Anwar On Thursday (May 29), Anwar had said Sabah Pakatan would take charge of discussing seat arrangements, forging pacts and other matters related to the state polls. Joseph said this approach of strategic autonomy would not strengthen the party machinery and allow component parties to discuss seat sharing and cooperation in the field. 'Sabah has different, complex political backgrounds and therefore, the decision to allow us to have full (authority) in the coming state election enables us to draw up a more inclusive, localised and focused strategy,' he said. ALSO READ: Anwar meets Sabah PKR leaders amid political shifts He said the main focus was on Sabah's development, strengthening the state and giving more attention to local issues, including rural development, poverty and state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). Joseph said Ewon would be able to lead the way in forming strategic partnerships among coalitions. He said youth leaders within Sabah Pakatan will also support all initiatives and plans agreed upon by the leadership while going to the grassroots and actively sharing information on development agendas, policies and related matters.
