Radin (second right) and the guests cutting the Christmas cake together at the Christmas Open House and New Year celebration held at the Taman Mantailang Neighbourhood Watch Area on Friday.
TENOM: Rural Development Minister Datuk Radin Malleh has asked the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) to review the annual grants for Neighbourhood Watch Area (KRT) in the state.
The KRTs have become a cornerstone for solidarity and peace, which the department should take into consideration, he said.
“I believe that through the addition of grants allocated to KRTs in this state, it is certain that more socio-economic activities can be held among the rural population,” said Radin, who is also Melalap assemblyman, at a Christmas Open House and New Year celebration held at the Taman Mantailang KRT here on Friday.
Through the addition of grants to KRTs, he said, more community activities can be carried out by these organisations while also providing impetus to the people’s solidarity.
According to Radin, many KRT bodies have been established throughout the state lately, including this district, and their goal is to become the main channel of the government in consolidating the unity of racial and religious diversity in the regions concerned.
“This means that the KRTs’ responsibility and role as an agent of unity is very important, especially in maintaining peace and harmony among the various races and religions in the country and the state,” he said.
At the same time, Radin also urged the people in this state, especially in this area, to defend and preserve their unity and harmony to ensure peace is maintained.
Sabah will continue to develop rapidly as long as the state remains secure and peaceful with such diversity and unity among the various races and religions, he added.
“As citizens of Malaysia in this peace-loving state, we do not want any parties to destroy what we have built so far, but rather, we should come together to further enhance the existing unity today for our future generation,” he said.
Furthermore, Radin also called on the people to be grateful for what they are enjoying today while stressing that it was the result of their united spirit and commitment in defending the sovereignty of the state and country, in addition to continuing to maintain the relationship between each other.
“I am confident that through the festivals we celebrate in this country, we can contribute to the sense of belonging and unity among the people of this state.
“I hope that the Christmas celebrations which were shared by everyone regardless of their race or religion will be able to enhance the commitment and spirit of goodwill and friendship between us and give prosperity to our lives,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were Interior JPNIN Officer John Aping, Melalap Community Development Leader Simon Mamat, Tenom Parliamentary Liaison Officer Ampalang Payu, government officials and community leaders.