KOTA KINABALU: The Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) has expressed their dissatisfaction with the exclusion of their community representatives from the Labuan Corporation Advisory Council. According to Peter Pikul, a member of the KDCA supreme council, this omission is unfair and goes against the principles of inclusiveness set by the unity government. Pikul believes that the absence of a native representative deprives the community of a voice in the decision-making process. He stated, “Not having at least one native representative on the local council blatantly and directly deprives the community of a voice, particularly from the grassroots, in the affairs of the island, especially those touching on their well-being.” In a statement released on Wednesday (July 12), Pikul urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to address this issue promptly, emphasizing Ibrahim’s commitment to promoting unity through proper representation.
The KDCA representative also highlighted the community’s long-standing presence and contribution to the island population, which dates back to before Labuan became a Federal Territory in 1984. Pikul stated, “Leaving us out of the island’s mainstream affairs is unfair and reflects disrespect for the community.”
It is evident that the KDCA is putting pressure on Prime Minister Ibrahim to rectify this situation, as they believe in his sincere efforts to create an inclusive, fair, and harmonious Malaysia. They hope that a solution will be found swiftly, ensuring the rightful representation of their community in the decision-making processes of Labuan.
Overall, the exclusion of the Kadazandusun and Murut native communities from the Labuan Corporation Advisory Council has struck a chord of disappointment within the KDCA. They assert that this omission contradicts the government’s objective of unity and inclusivity. The KDCA firmly believes that fair representation is crucial for the community’s well-being and that their exclusion must be promptly addressed and rectified.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
