DG’s instruction on scholarship applications very improper – STAR

KOTA KINABALU: The State Reform Party finds the instruction by Director General of the Higher Learning Department, Prof. Datuk Dr Rujhan Mustafa, to channel scholarship applications through the KDM Malaysia association as shocking and totally improper.

“I am flabbergasted that such a high-ranking government official could be so loose with rules of government protocol,” said STAR Deputy Chairman, Daniel John Jambun is a statement here. “I simply cannot believe that a supposedly apolitical and a non-governmental organization (NGO) has suddenly been asked to be an agent of the Federal Government’s administration.”

Dr. Rujhan yesterday said, “I appeal to school leavers, especially from the KDM community, to give your name to Datuk Peter Anthony (KDM Malaysia’s President) so that it would be forwarded to me.”

Jambun questioned the rationale in the instruction and sees that there seems to be some sort of collusion between the Higher Learning Department, UMNO and KDM Malaysia. He also wondered if applications would be more favoured if they are made through KDM Malaysia, and if so doesn’t that mean KDM Malaysia is being used by UMNO for selfish politics.

“It is quite wellknown that KDM Malaysia may be an instrument of UMNO’s political propaganda to the point that local KDM-based BN parties have accused the NGO of splitting KDM unity,” Jambun said. “From the viewpoint of STAR Chairman Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, KDM Malaysia is an instrument in the Federal Government’s divide and rule tactic.”

“If Rujhan is sincere about helping the people to gain scholarship, why doesn’t he encourage all NGOs in Sabah to be channels of the scholarship applications?” Jambun asked. “And why single out KDM Malaysia? Why not also appoint the more established NGOs such as the Borneo Heritage Foundation (BHF), the KDCA, the Sabah Murut Association (PMS), the Sabah Momogun Rungus Association (SAMORA), the United Sabah Bajau Organisation (USBO), the Persatuan Anak Negeri Sabah (PANSA) and a lot of other NGOs?

“And when was KDM Malaysia officially appointed as an agent of the Higher Education department?” Jambun demanded. “Is UMNO now so desperate for survival that it is now resorting to using the people’s money to gain votes?”