KDCA supreme council member Peter Pikul
KOTA KINABALU: The Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) is unhappy that none of the community's representatives was included in the Labuan Corporation Advisory Council.
KDCA supreme council member Peter Pikul said that leaving out a representative from the Kadazandusun and Murut native communities was unfair and did not reflect inclusiveness under the unity government.
Commenting on the recent appointment of the seven-member council, Pikul said the non-representation of the community deprives it of a voice.
“Not having at least one native representative on the local council blatantly and directly deprives the community of a voice, particularly from the grassroots, in the affairs of the island, especially those touching on their well-being.
“This does not augur well not only for the community but inaccurately reflects the true and noble intention of the inclusive unity government,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (July 12).
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was clear about his intention of championing unity through proper representation.
"As we believe in the Prime Minister's sincerity in creating a Malaysia which is inclusive, fair and harmonious, we urge him to promptly seek a solution to this unfortunate development where a rightful community has been sidelined through no fault of their own," he added.
He said leaving the community out of the island’s mainstream affairs was unfair as it has been an integral part of the island population even before it was made a Federal Territory in 1984.
"We believe (leaving us out) reflects disrespect for the community," Pikul said.
