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Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Women's advocate Rowindy Lawrence shares inspiring political journey
Rowindy (centre) with Jannie (second left), Ramzah (left). PENAMPANG (July 9): Rowindy Lawrence, Deputy Secretary of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) Malaysia Organising Committee and Chairman of the International Relations Bureau of UPKO Malaysia, recently shared her compelling political journey at the Women's Leadership Programme and Online Fraud Awareness Event held at Wisma IDS (Institute for Development Studies) on July 8. Her narrative highlighted a steadfast commitment to women's empowerment and grassroots community development. Rowindy's journey into politics began in 2010 when she joined UPKO, dedicating herself to serving the Kimanis Division. Her initial focus was on understanding and addressing the needs of local residents, fostering community-level development and progress. By 2018, her leadership was recognized as she was tasked with establishing and leading the Kota Kinabalu Division's Women's Wing. She also took on the role of UPKO Women Exco Secretary, where she actively championed women's rights and empowerment, playing a crucial role in shaping policies aimed at uplifting women across Sabah. In 2019, Rowindy's expertise led her to the position of Special Officer to the Sabah Minister of Rural Development. In this capacity, she contributed to rural development projects and policies aimed at improving the livelihoods of underserved communities. A significant chapter unfolded in 2022 when she was chosen as UPKO's sole female candidate, and notably, the first KadazanDusun-Murut Rungus (KDMR) woman to contest in the Kimanis constituency. Despite feeling unprepared, the experience was enriching, requiring direct engagement with the grassroots to understand their needs and aspirations. Though she did not win, she remains grateful to the 3,931 voters who supported her and continues to serve the Kimanis community. Her political career marks a stark contrast to her previous work with Malaysia Airlines, where she focused on promoting Sabah's tourism industry. This shift, however, only strengthened her resolve to bring about meaningful change and serve her community. 'My political journey is deeply rooted in my unwavering advocacy for women's empowerment, a cause I believe must begin at the grassroots level,' Rowindy stated. She emphasized that true leadership is about making a genuine difference in the lives of ordinary people, especially women who often face limited opportunities and poor living conditions. She recounted a 'sobering experience' of visiting a remote village where a woman was giving her infant river water due to a lack of resources, highlighting the urgent need for change. Rowindy, also a member of the UPKO Supreme Council, stressed that empowering women starts with education and awareness. It involves nurturing confidence, providing opportunities for growth, and fostering a culture that values women's voices. She believes that leadership should be rooted in service, compassion, and understanding, with real influence stemming from the ability to uplift others rather than from material wealth. Her journey is a testament to her conviction that change must originate from within communities and from leaders who prioritize service over status. By championing grassroots initiatives and raising awareness about women's issues, Rowindy aims to inspire a new generation of leaders who prioritize community well-being over personal gain. Her goal is a society where women are recognized as vital contributors to development and where empowerment is accessible to all. 'Women empowerment from the grassroots level is the foundation for building a more inclusive, equitable and progressive society,' she reiterated. 'True empowerment begins with education, awareness, and the development of confidence among women and girls, enabling them to participate actively in community decision-making and leadership roles.' In her concluding remarks, Rowindy advised aspiring leaders not to wait for perfection before stepping into leadership roles, to work with sincerity and genuine commitment, and to be well-informed about government ministries and non-governmental organizations to ensure effective service. Also speaking at the event were Kapayan State Assemblywoman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang and Institute Development of Studies Sabah (IDS) CEO Datuk Ramzah Dambul.
Borneo Post
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Shafie mandated by majority, not appointed by backdoor
Daniel John Jambun KOTA KINABALU (June 15): Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal had the majority support and was not appointed through the backdoor after the state election in 2018. Shafie was sworn in after it was clear that he commanded majority support in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly. The six UPKO assemblymen who switched sides broke no law. They acted in good conscience and aligned with the reform movement that swept Malaysia after the 14th General Election. President of Borneo's Plight In Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo) and Change Advocate Movement Sabah (CAMOS), Daniel John Jambun, pointed this out when responding to the opinion piece titled 'Let's Not Rewrite History: The Real Backdoor Chief Minister Was Shafie Apdal' authored by Datuk Seri Panglima Clarence Bongkos Malakun, a member of the Sabah Economic Advisory Council 'While the writer attempts to posture as a constitutional purist, his narrative is riddled with distortion, selective amnesia, and a desperate attempt to whitewash the true political betrayal that unfolded under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS),' said Daniel in a statement on Sunday. He said the real constitutional crisis happened when two Chief Ministers were sworn in within 48 hours — a crisis triggered not by Shafie, but by the premature swearing-in of Musa Aman without verified majority support. 'Musa himself challenged Shafie's appointment in court. But midway through the proceedings, Musa withdrew the case — because he realised he could not prove he held majority support. If his position was legally and morally sound, why back down? 'In a parliamentary democracy, it is the support of the majority of elected representatives — not who is sworn in first — that determines the legitimacy of government. (USNO vs PBS 1985 applies.)' Daniel also said that GRS did not contest the 2020 state election as a formal coalition. There was no GRS logo. The parties contested under separate banners — Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional and others — without a common manifesto or electoral mandate. 'The so-called GRS government was only formed after the election, through a series of political defections and federally orchestrated deals. That is the very definition of a backdoor government. 'In contrast, Warisan Plus contested as a clear coalition, with a unified manifesto, and won the most seats as a single bloc. But the people's mandate was overturned — not at the ballot box, but in hotel rooms and elite negotiations backed by external interference. 'Before Clarence Malakun points fingers, he should reflect on the coalition he now defends — one born not of the people's mandate, but of political manipulation and opportunism,' he said. Daniel said the accusation that Shafie's administration was dominated by 'Semporna loyalists' is nothing more than racial dog-whistling and baseless slander. 'Warisan's government was inclusive and reflective of Sabah's rich ethnic and regional diversity — from Penampang to Kota Belud, from Tenom to Kudat. 'Ironically, the current GRS government is far more centralised, filled with recycled Barisan elites, and dependent on federal-linked proxies and political appointments. Where is the meritocracy they claim to uphold?' he asked. Daniel also said the claim that Warisan sabotaged the Telibong 2 and Sandakan water projects is false. These projects were paused for due diligence due to inflated costs, procurement irregularities, and governance concerns. 'The real failure lies in GRS's inability to resolve Sabah's worsening water crisis despite receiving billions in allocations. The people are suffering even more today — and this government must take responsibility,' he said. On the accusations linking Warisan to 'Project IC 2.0', Daniel said they are recycled political slander. 'If there was any genuine wrongdoing, why has the GRS government — after nearly four years in power — failed to take legal action or produce credible evidence? 'In truth, the influx of undocumented immigrants and stateless individuals long predates Warisan's administration. For instance: In 2014, under Barisan Nasional's rule, official estimates already placed the number of undocumented foreigners in Sabah at over 800,000.
Daily Express
10-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Reform GLCs for Sabah's future, says UPKO's treasurer
Published on: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jun 10, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's government-linked companies (GLCs) must undergo bold and comprehensive reforms to serve the people and the state's long-term interests, says UPKO Treasurer-General Dennison R. Indang. He stressed that GLCs should drive economic growth, create jobs, empower local entrepreneurs, and contribute to state revenue. Advertisement However, he said, many GLCs have failed in their purpose due to political interference and poor governance, becoming financial burdens instead. Dennison called for a merit-based, professional approach in board appointments and transparent investment evaluations. Underperforming GLCs, he said, should be restructured or dissolved. He welcomed the formation of the Sabah GLC Monitoring Committee, viewing it as a vital step toward improving integrity, transparency, and accountability. Reform, he added, is not optional but essential for Sabah's economic strength and public trust. * 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
Borneo Post
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Kaamatan: A call for unity in the land of Huminodun
As Sabah welcomes the radiant glow of Kaamatan and the haunting strains of the sompoton fill the valleys, this sacred period, rooted in the legend of Huminodun, prompts deep introspection and thankfulness. Huminodun, the revered maiden whose selfless act brought forth the first rice harvest, embodies unity and altruism. This leads to a critical question: How can a person who honors such a powerful symbol of cohesion remain entangled in political disarray? The Kadazandusun, Sabah's largest indigenous community, holds vast potential. However, their true strength can only be unlocked by embracing the ancient wisdom of Misompuru (Unity) and forging a collective vision for what lies ahead. At the core of Kadazandusun beliefs is the touching narrative of Huminodun. Faced with devastating famine, Kinoingan, the creator deity, made an unimaginable choice: to save humanity, he had to sacrifice his only child. With immense love and dedication, Huminodun willingly offered herself. Her body was laid into the earth, from which the first rice emerged, sustaining countless generations. This ultimate sacrifice, commemorated yearly during Kaamatan through ceremonies like the Magavau, transcends a mere story of sorrow; it stands as a powerful testament to the strength of unity and the profound connection between individuals and their community. The Unduk Ngadau, or harvest queen, chosen during the festival, personifies Huminodun's purity, wisdom, and grace. Her symbolic role reminds the community that leadership must serve the greater good. Yet, in today's political landscape, this sacred covenant appears forgotten. How has a people united by the legacy of a heroine who gave her life for unity allowed themselves to splinter into factions that seem to thrive on division? Sabah's political sphere has become increasingly fragmented, with multiple parties — UPKO, PBS, PBRS, STAR, among others — jostling for influence under the banner of Kadazandusun rights. Despite their common cause, internal rivalries, shifting alliances, and competing agendas have weakened their collective voice. This political disunity has led to tangible consequences. Native land rights, enshrined in law, are routinely undermined by external interests, yet without a united political front, enforcement remains elusive. Economically, many rural Kadazandusun communities continue to face hardship, trapped in cycles of poverty and underdevelopment, while disjointed leadership fails to marshal coordinated advocacy. The cultural cost is no less grave. A 2017 Borneo Post Online article, 'The Kadazandusun language dilemma,' highlighted that many district youth under thirty struggled to speak Kadazan. This aligns with a 2005 UNESCO report deeming Kadazandusun endangered, a critical indicator that the culture risks disappearing without targeted efforts. This is not the legacy Huminodun died to bequeath. Her act was a call to unity, not a license for petty squabbles. Kaamatan, at its core, has always been more than a celebration of harvest — it is a time of renewal, of reconciling differences, sharing abundance, and reaffirming kinship. In the past, rituals led by the bobohizan or bombolian were not only spiritual acts but mechanisms for healing and consensus. Elders resolved conflicts, families shared the first rice harvest, and the community danced the sumazau in harmonious rhythm, reflecting a society at peace with itself. Today, Kaamatan risks becoming a hollow shell — reduced to pageantry and performance, stripped of its deeper meaning — unless its essence is reclaimed. Imagine if political leaders, instead of trading barbs, genuinely shared tapai under the roof of Hongkod Koisaan, pledging collaboration over competition. Picture the unveiling of a unified agenda for the Kadazandusun people — rooted in land protection, cultural preservation and educational reform — delivered not in separate party platforms, but as a collective vision. Envision young people and women — torchbearers of Huminodun's spirit — leading campaigns that transcend partisan lines, igniting hope in both village halls and digital spaces. The image of Kadazandusun leaders joining in the sumazau, moving in unison like the intertwined roots of the rice plant, could become a powerful living symbol of Misompuru — not just a concept, but a call to action. Around the world, indigenous peoples have found strength in solidarity. The Māori of New Zealand, by uniting under the framework of the Treaty of Waitangi, secured not only land reparations but a firm voice in parliament. In the United States, the Navajo Nation, despite its internal diversity, consolidated political power to protect its resources and secure federal support. These examples show that unity is not a surrender of identity; it is a strategy for survival and growth. The Kadazandusun, with their profound cultural heritage, could likewise wield greater influence through cooperation and shared purpose. Perhaps, like the Māori Kingitanga, a central movement rooted in cultural pride and political coordination could emerge. To make Misompuru a reality, several key steps are needed. The formation of a Kadazandusun Political Council — serving as a neutral platform akin to the bobohizan's role as mediator — could help align party priorities and push for crucial legislation, from protecting Native Customary Rights (NCR) land to intensifying Kadazandusun-language education and developing sustainable rural economies. Grassroots initiatives should accompany this political reawakening. A 'Tumahui do Huminodun' campaign could mobilize youth around the symbolism of her sacrifice, linking tradition to activism through art, dialogue, and community action. Even simple efforts, such as rival politicians co-hosting Kaamatan activities or jointly planting rice, can plant seeds of trust and solidarity. As the gongs echo and the scent of hinava drifts through the air, this Kaamatan, the Kadazandusun are called to make a choice. Will they continue down a path of fragmentation, or rise together as people bound by the same moon that once witnessed their ancestors dance in unity? Huminodun's story is not merely a legend to be admired; it is a roadmap waiting to be followed. Just as her body became the rice that sustained a people, today's leaders must transform their ambitions into nourishment for the collective good. This moment goes beyond politics. It is about safeguarding a heritage — the terraced paddies, the chants of the bobohizan, the laughter of children speaking the language of their forebears. It is about honoring the spirits of those who came before by securing a dignified future for those yet to come. Let this Kaamatan mark a new beginning. Let it prove that Misompuru is not a forgotten dream but a living, breathing force. For as the proverb reminds us: 'Ounsik do Huminodun, ounsik do Kaamatan.' Without Huminodun, there is no harvest. And without unity, there is no future. Nokoturu ti Huminodun, moginum ti tapai do Misompuru (Follow Huminodun's path, and drink the rice wine of unity.)
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Ewon: UPKO's struggle must translate into policies that benefit people
Ewon examining a handcrafted knife showcased at the event venue. KOTA BELUD May 17): United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president Datuk Ewon Benedick emphasized that the party's political struggle and the people's aspirations must be reflected through government policies and initiatives that deliver real impact to the rakyat. Ewon, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, said that true political commitment goes beyond slogans and rhetoric — it must be seen through the implementation of meaningful programmes that uplift communities. 'UPKO will continue to voice its views and contribute to the development of the Malaysian Federation and a better future for Sabah,' he said. Speaking at the UPKO Kaamatan Festival in Kadamaian today, Ewon highlighted the Look East Within the Country Policy, initiated through his ministry, as a targeted strategy to address the specific needs of Sabah and Sarawak. 'This policy was created to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by Borneo states compared to Peninsular Malaysia. We aim to ensure the people of Sabah and Sarawak do not feel left behind,' he added. He stressed that agencies under his ministry have been directed to deliver inclusive services and introduce initiatives such as the Tamu Entrepreneur Scheme, Village Market Premises and the Craft Industry Financing Scheme, which are tailored to the local context. 'This is the trust and responsibility given to me by the people of Sabah, which I carry on behalf of UPKO in the federal government,' he said. Reflecting on his political journey, Ewon shared that it began with the trust given by the people of Kadamaian and Penampang, and the support of the Prime Minister in appointing him to lead his ministry. 'We started with responsibility. We fight, negotiate, and act with consistent principles,' he said, adding that more needs to be done to boost entrepreneurship and cooperative development in Sabah and Sarawak. With strong collaboration between the federal and state governments, he believes a better Malaysia and Sabah can be built. He underscored that UPKO's role in the government is not just symbolic but evident in national policies, programmes, and budget allocations. The party, he added, is ready to work with any political group committed to national progress and the well-being of the people. 'Our goal is also to bring local entrepreneurs and cooperatives to the global stage, so their products are recognized not just in Malaysia but worldwide,' he said. On national unity, Ewon remarked, 'Whatever slogan is used to promote unity, UPKO has no objections. What matters most is genuine unity, one that is embedded in policies and programmes.' He also highlighted the significance of the Kaamatan Festival — not just as a celebration of harvest — but as a platform to honor achievements across various fields, including education, public service, corporate, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation. 'The festival is also a symbol of our long-standing political struggle, especially in achieving the objectives behind the formation of Malaysia 62 years ago,' he said. Ewon noted that of the many matters UPKO has championed, 13 issues under the Malaysia Agreement have been resolved and finalised — with nine of them achieved under the current Sabah State Government and the Federal Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Noor. 'As UPKO president, I am proud that our party is part of the federal cabinet and contributed to these important milestones, which are the harvest of our decades-long struggle,' he said. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that there are still unresolved issues that require continuous pursuit. 'Therefore, UPKO calls for unity and cooperation among all Malaysians, especially the people and leaders of Sabah, so that we remain united in our mission,' he said.
