Govt protects rights of all races – Kurup

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NABAWAN: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, has given assurance that the government will ensure the rights and interests of the people of various races in the country are protected as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

He said the government is concerned over the welfare of the people of various races and religions in the country, including in Pensiangan, and will ensure that their rights are preserved.

“We want the Bumiputera community in this state to continue living in peace and harmony and their rights and interests protected,”he said when launching the second Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Trans Borneo program at SK Logonggon in Pagalungan sub-district here on Saturday.

At the same time, he would like the people to continue to play their role by contributing ideas, thoughts and efforts to develop the country in various sectors of the economy.

Kurup said the Pensiangan parliamentary constituency had undergone many changes, especially in infrastructure development that providedmany benefits to the local population. The people should now be aware that the government has no intention of marginalizing any groups or tribes in the district.

He said the facilities provided and development undertaken today clearly showed that the government always put the people first. In addition, he said community involvement, particularly among the youths and teachers here showed their commitment to continue to serve and struggle for the future well-being of the next generation even though in remote areas in the interior.

“I hope parents here will encourage their children to continue to study harder to change the family life for the better in the future,”he said.

Kurup noted that the dedication and enthusiasm shown by participants in the program proved the awareness of the society here not to forsake education as most of the participants are made up of students and lecturers of UMS.

“In my opinion, the participation of young and educated people in this program can improve their understanding of the local culture and provide an opportunity for participants to mingle with one another.

“The program also aims to strengthen unity and fraternal relations among UMS citizens and the local residents, especially among the youth, students and teachers in this area through activities that will be undertaken during the period of the program.

Kurup said Pensiangan is rich in flora and fauna and as UMS is a university that upholds the Eco-Campus concept, it would help to make it greener and more holistic in all aspects of its management.

The presence of the UMS Trans-Borneo participants to Pagalungan is in-sync with the idea of Eco-Campus since the area is rich in biodiversity.

He also thanked UMS for its initiative to organize charitable and community service, medical and dental care directly for the people here.

“I hope the people here will take the opportunity to have a health examination and appropriate treatment from the doctor involved.

The program is jointly organized by the Faculty of Psychology and Education, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and UMS 4WDVC Club.

Also present at the program were UMS deputy vice chancellor of student affairs and academic, Associate Professor Dr Ismail Ali, chairman of the second UMS Trans Borneo 2015, Professor Dr Ismail Ibrahim, and UMS director of curriculum, Associate Professor Ahmad Tajuddin Othman.