KDM Malaysia veep says no intention to join politics
Posted on March 10, 2012, Saturday
KOTA KINABALU: All Datuk Peter Anthony wants is to champion the welfare and interest of the KadazanDusunMurut (KDM), as well as the locals in Sabah.
Stressing that he has no intention of joining politics, the KDM Malaysia vice-president disclosed that currently he was happy with his current activities.
“I am happy with my profession as a businessman. I am happy that I am able to help the KDMs and other communities at my own time and way,” said the 41-year-old, who has recently been quite vocal in highlighting issues affecting the people in Sabah.
Admitting that there had been some offers from political parties to join in their struggle, Anthony, who is also the KDM Malaysia chief executive officer and treasurer, stressed that for now, he was more focused on helping the less fortunate. He, however, declined to disclose which political party had approached him.
“It is as simple as this. Sometimes, when someone has achieved success, they would not want to bother about others. They rather spend their hard earned money to bring family members for holidays.
“But that is not me. I want to help others, especially the KDMs, to also excel in their life. I want to see the KDMs succeed in whatever field they choose to do. In fact, I am happy that people appreciate what I have done for them, and I feel so blessed when they come up to me to say thank you; … that to me is the greatest gift of all,” he said. Anthony said there had been some quarters who saw him as a threat, but he assured them that: “I do not intend to take their place. I do not intend to topple them. I do not even want to challenge them.
“KDM Malaysia is a non-governmental organisation and we act as the eyes and ears of the government to bridge the KDM people and the government. I am not interested in politics and do not intend to join any political party,” he said.
He said there had been rumours that KDM Malaysia was set up to divide the KDMs in Sabah, to which he replied: “This is not an issue because the KDMs have long been divided through the formation of various political parties such as Parti Bersatu Sabah, United Pasok Momogun KadazanDusunMurut Organisation, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah and others and… we should not be the one blamed for the division. In fact, KDM Malaysia was formed to unite the KDMs in Sabah. We are trying to foster good rapport among them and enable members to work together to uplift the community image and livelihood.” Anthony said apart from helping the KDMs, the organisation was not neglecting the needs of the non-KDMs.
“We accept them as our honorary members and they will enjoy almost similar benefits as the members. We do not want to divide them because KDM Malaysia believes that everyone needs a helping hand,” he said.
To date, there are some 40,000 members statewide and he expects the number to increase by another 20,000 by year end.
KDM Malaysia was formed three years ago and was finally approved by the Registrar of Societies on Sept 8, last year.
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