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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
Sabah proposes teaching four more ethnic dialects in schools
Ewon exchanging greetings with those attending the celebration. PENAMPANG (June 15): The proposal to expand the teaching of the Kadazandusun language subject in schools to include four other ethnic dialects in Sabah has been brought to the Federal Government, said United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) president Datuk Ewon Benedick. He said the effort to strengthen the ethnic language curriculum is an ongoing initiative by various parties, including the Kadazandusun Language Foundation (KLF), Momogun National Congress (MNC) and the Sabah Ethnic Language Association. 'Until now, the Kadazandusun language subject in schools has been based solely on the Dusun Bunduliwan dialect, as agreed in the pact between KDCA and USDA. 'After I became a member of the Federal Cabinet, I received proposals from several ethnic associations in Sabah, as well as Kadazandusun language teachers in Penampang, Tuaran, Kuala Penyu and Tenom. Together with a Sabah delegation, I held discussions with the Minister of Education, Fadhlina Sidek, last year, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Education. 'We submitted a proposal to expand the curriculum to cover four additional major ethnic dialects, Tatana in Kuala Penyu, Kadazan Tangaa in Penampang, Murut Timugon in Tenom and Dusun Lotud in Tuaran. 'Fadhlina agreed to the formation of a special committee under the Ministry of Education to study the proposal. I will continue to follow up on all efforts to ensure its success,' he said. Ewon said this in his speech when officiating the Odou do Kaamatan celebration in Kampung Mahandoi, organised by UPKO Beaufort with the Kuala Penyu community working, doing business and residing in Kota Kinabalu. Ewon, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, said that efforts to strengthen the teaching of ethnic languages in government schools will continue through the expansion of the current Kadazandusun curriculum to include the development of modules for four other ethnic dialects, Tatana, Kadazan Tangaa, Murut Timogun and Dusun Lotud. He said his ministry is also supporting the initiative by channelling special allocations to the four ethnic language associations for the development of learning modules, workbooks and textbooks. Ewon stated that it is his responsibility to be part of the effort to empower the teaching of ethnic languages in schools. 'That's why last year I ensured funding support was provided to the four ethnic associations, namely the Tatana, Murut Timogun, Lotud Tuaran, and Kadazan Penampang which manage these languages, to help them develop curriculum modules and workbooks as an initial step toward enabling these four ethnic languages to be taught in schools alongside the existing Kadazandusun subject,' he said. He added that the teaching of the four ethnic languages can be piloted in selected schools within the respective districts. 'For example, in Kuala Penyu, teaching the Tatana dialect would be more appropriate than using the Bunduliwan dialect, taking into account the views of parents and teachers in the district, most of whom are of Tatana ethnicity,' he explained. He also expressed confidence that Sabah could follow the model of teaching ethnic languages in government schools as done in Sarawak, where Iban is taught as a subject like Kadazandusun in Sabah and the teaching of Bidayuh has also begun on a pilot basis. 'Efforts in this direction are already underway. A delegation from Sabah has visited schools in Sarawak to observe the implementation of Bidayuh dialect teaching as a complement to the Iban language,' he said. Meanwhile, Ewon stressed the importance of preserving cultural practices such as the Kaamatan celebration, which must be upheld as a symbol of unity. 'Kaamatan is now not only celebrated by the Momogun community in Sabah but is also observed by our people abroad. This celebration reflects our ethnic identity and unity across ethnicities and religions. 'As a minister and president of UPKO, I will continue to focus on the development of culture and ethnic languages, including Tatana, to ensure they are inherited by future generations,' he said.
Daily Express
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
13 MA63 issues have been resolved: Ewon
Published on: Monday, May 19, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 19, 2025 By: R Gonzales Text Size: Ewon examining a handcrafted knife showcased at the event venue. KOTA BELUD: United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) President Datuk Ewon Benedick said the party's struggle and aspirations of the people must be translated into government policies and initiatives that benefit the people. Officiating the Upko Kaamatan Festival at Dewan Terbuka Kadamaian Square, here, Saturday, he said the real struggle is not about slogans and rhetoric but implementation of high-impact programmes that benefit the people. Advertisement 'Upko will continue to voice opinions and contribute to the building of the Malaysian Federation and a better future for Sabah. 'We begin this obligation through ministry leadership by introducing the 'Look East Within the Nation' policy. 'This policy was created to address the unique needs and challenges in Sabah and Sarawak, which differ from those in peninsula and to find the best solutions so that the people of Borneo do not feel marginalised,' said the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives. Ewon said he has also ensured agencies under his Ministry provide comprehensive services and implement various initiatives tailored to the needs of Sabah and Sarawak. Advertisement These include the Skim Usahawan Tamu, Premis Tamu Desa and the Skim Pembiayaan Industri Kraf. He said his struggle began with the mandate given by the people of Kadamaian and Penampang, as well as the trust placed in him by the Prime Minister to lead the Ministry. 'We start with responsibility, fighting, discussing, negotiating and taking action based on consistent principles of struggle. 'Certainly, there is still much to fight for in the context of entrepreneurial and cooperative development in Sabah and Sarawak. 'However, with a comprehensive approach and cooperation between the federal and state governments, we can build a better Malaysia and Sabah,' he said. 'Among our struggles is fulfilling the purpose of Malaysia's establishment 62 years ago, when Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore and Malaya agreed to sign the Malaysia Agreement, leading to the formation of a new nation called Malaysia. 'Of the many issues we have fought for, 13 matters related to the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement have been fully resolved and finalised. This is a fact,' he said. He added that of the 13 resolved matters, nine were settled by the current government, involving both the Sabah state government and the federal government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'As Upko President, I am proud that the party is part of the Federal Cabinet and has helped finalise nine issues that have been fought for over 62 years. 'Certainly, this is an achievement and success that we should celebrate together a harvest of struggle that we honour during the Kaamatan Festival,' he said. He also noted that there are still other demands to be fought for. 'That is why Upko calls for unity and cooperation among all Malaysians, especially the people of Sabah and its leaders, to remain united.' He added that Upko's struggle in the government is not mere rhetoric but is clearly translated through policies, programs and the government's annual budget. 'Upko wants to collaborate with all parties that can bring progress and a better future for Malaysians, wherever they are. 'This includes our efforts to bring entrepreneurs and cooperatives to the international market so that our local products are not only sold domestically but also gain recognition in the global market,' he said. Commenting on the spirit of unity, Ewon said Upko has no objections to any slogan that fosters unity. What matters, he said, is that Upko wants to see real unity, a struggle that can be translated into government programs and policies. At the event, he said the Kaamatan festival celebration is not only a symbol of gratitude for agricultural harvests but also a platform to celebrate achievements in various fields, including education, careers, public service, corporate sectors, entrepreneurial movements and cooperatives. 'As we uphold cultural heritage, we should embrace the Kaamatan Festival as a symbol of success and the fruits of continuous struggle.' * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
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.
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sabah's rights fight belongs to all, not just local parties
LAHAD DATU: The struggle for Sabah's rights is not exclusive to any local party but a shared responsibility of all Sabahans who want to see the state's future safeguarded, said former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak. "There is often the assumption that only local parties are entitled to speak on Sabah's rights. "In truth, this struggle belongs to all Sabahans. It is not the exclusive right of any single party," said Salleh, who is also the Sabah Umno treasurer. He added that whether a party is local or national, both are merely platforms. "What matters is the sincerity and capability of leaders to elevate Sabah's voice." Salleh said parties such as the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah, although part of national coalitions, are still local parties that ensure Sabah's voice is better heard at the federal level. He added that issues such as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), state revenue and autonomy are no longer peripheral discussions. "These matters have been elevated to the federal level, embedded in the Federal Constitution, discussed in the Cabinet and made part of the Unity Government's joint agenda." "What the people of Sabah want today is not about who is more 'Sabahan' or more 'local'. "What truly matters is who is sincere, stable and capable of fulfilling their promises," he said.
