KOTA KINABALU: A technical glitch is believed to have been the cause of the misunderstanding involving the new talent scouting reality show ‘KDM Malaysia Idol’ and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
Kadazan Dusun Murut Organisation Malaysia (KDM Malaysia) president Datuk Peter Anthony said it could be due to the late submission of their request letter to UMS that led to the misunderstanding.
“KDM Malaysia had requested assistance from the Ministry of Higher Education to provide a platform for KDM Malaysia Idol participants to undergo educational classes not only to improve their talent but also their knowledge.
“The ministry had agreed to cooperate with us in the staging of this reality programme, which aims to uphold the importance of enhancing talent and education of the people in Sabah.
“Perhaps there was some delay in the submission of our request letter (from the Ministry of Higher Education and KDM Malaysia) to the UMS management due to certain reasons. Therefore, on behalf of KDM Malaysia I would like to apologise to the UMS management for any inconvenience caused.
“However, we will continue to pursue their (UMS) cooperation because we believe UMS is the most suitable partner and platform for our programme.
“We will, at the soonest possible juncture, submit a new letter of request for UMS to consider,” said Peter when launching the KDM Malaysia Idol at Kg Kokol, Menggatal, yesterday.
The event is in conjunction with the annual KDM Malaysia Tour Carnival Series programme, the Inanam Farmers’ Organisation Family Day and the launching of the KDM Malaysia Inanam Branch.
On the possibility that UMS might reject participation or involvement in the idol programme, Peter said it would not deter KDM Malaysia from continuing their efforts to stage the programme.
“If it causes any complication for them (UMS) then we will work out appropriate steps to identify another suitable placement for the contestants.
“It will not deter us from continuing our noble efforts to try and provide new and exciting opportunities for our Sabahan youths to enhance their knowledge and talents,” said Peter.
The idol programme, which focuses on entertainers who can sing in Kadazan, Dusun and Murut languages offers RM100,000 cash prize to the winner.
Auditions will be held in nine other locations throughout the state where 50 candidates will be selected to undergo the proposed placement at UMS.
Peter said KDM Malaysia Idol is unlike other reality shows because “we will work closely with the Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture, UMS and Celcom.”
He said the purpose of the competition was to appreciate the talents of Malaysians who are passionate in music, while at the same time reflecting on the positive leadership of the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak who takes a serious view of the nation’s unity.
The UMS Chancellor Department in a statement Saturday, denied any involvement in the non-governmental organisation (NGO) or its idol programme.
“UMS has been linked with several recent media reports saying the university was involved in organising the programme. The reports are inaccurate and were based on information from sources that could not be verified,” said its chief, Norman Ahmad in the statement.