Latest news with #KDM
The Star
29-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Sikhs mark 25 years of Punjabi education
Mohd Azam (second from right) presenting a long-service award to Guru Nanak Institution principal Phajan Kaur Mahinder Singh. Looking on are Jaginder (left) and Kuldip. Mother tongue education is an integral part of a community's identity and keeps members connected to their roots. This year, Sikhs nationwide are celebrating the 25th anniversary of Khalsa Diwan Malaysia's (KDM) Punjabi education programme. Set up by the Sikh non-governmental organisation in 2001, the initiative was prompted by a decline in the number of students pursuing Punjabi language as a subject in public examinations like Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). KDM deputy president Dr Kuldip Kaur said the decline led to concerted efforts aimed at reviving Punjabi classes and ensuring it remains a primary language for members of the community. In 2001, eight Punjabi Education Centres (PECs) were set up in Ipoh, Taiping, Batu Gajah, Kampar and Sitiawan in Perak; Butterworth and Wadda Gurdwara Sahib in Penang and Kota Baru in Kelantan. Presently, KDM runs 36 PECs in 11 states with a total annual enrolment of about 1,800 students. In tandem, the number of candidates for the SPM Punjabi language paper has increased, with an average of 50 students taking it every year. KDM president Jaginder Singh said that as the oldest Sikh organisation in Malaysia, it is proud to have played a role in preserving, promoting and developing the Punjabi language. He shared that in the 2023 SPM examination, students who sat for the Punjabi language paper scored 100% passes, while in 2024, 98.2% passes were recorded. Annually, more than half of the students taking the paper have obtained excellent results (A+, A or A-). Kuldip, who is also the organising chairperson of the 25th anniversary celebrations, said various events were held to bring together stakeholders and well-wishers who had contributed to the programme's success. The celebrations kicked off on May 1 with a thanksgiving event at Gurdwara Sahib Sentul in Kuala Lumpur, where students from 15 PECs sang Kirtan (Sikh hymns). All participating PEC students received certificates of appreciation and gifts. On May 2, a symposium on innovations in Punjabi language education was held at Kelab Aman in Kuala Lumpur where teachers shared advanced techniques for teaching Punjabi and Sikhism. The event was attended by about 140 PEC teachers and administrators. The next day, trainers from Asia Pacific University (APU) led a workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology-enhanced learning. More than 70 Punjabi teachers learnt techniques for assessment skills and building student support systems. A dinner to celebrate the silver jubilee was held on May 3 at Royal Lake Club in Kuala Lumpur. Education deputy director-general (professionalism development sector) Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad represented Minister Fadhlina Sidek at the event. Mohd Azam presented long service awards to 18 teachers who had served 25 years in PECs, and to 60 teachers and administrators who had served between 20 and 24 years. In his speech, Jaginder said the Federal Government had approved RM265,000 for PEC activities this year, with several state governments also extending financial support. He thanked Education Ministry for continuing to offer the Punjabi language as a subject for the Academic Session Final Test (UASA) in Forms 1, 2 and 3, as well as at SPM level. Jaginder also extended gratitude to the Indian government for the Grant in Aid to Indo Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies (GIA) in support of KDM activities. Also present at the dinner were Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia BN Reddy as well as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's special officer Shanmugam Mookan.
Daily Express
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan competition now an annual Kaamatan event
Published on: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 18, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: BTK 2024 winner Bonyvanture Hee with this year's contestants. Kota Kinabalu: Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan (BTK) has marked a milestone in the history of its organisation as it officially becomes a permanent annual event under the State-level Kaamatan Festival's main committee. Organising chairman Casey Jovial said this year's 18th edition of the BTK competition stands as a landmark not only in terms of longevity but in terms of cultural recognition and State-level endorsement. Advertisement He said the recognition symbolises not just the institutional growth of BTK but also the collective efforts of districts and communities that have upheld the values of male cultural identity in Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) society. Speaking at the official registration for 49 district, sub-district and KDCA branch representatives vying for the 2025 BTK crown, Casey welcomed the participants and reminded them that reaching this stage already meant they were the best representatives of their respective districts. 'You have already won in the early phase of this cultural journey,' he told them, praising their dedication and perseverance in embracing traditional values of leadership and service. He said BTK is not merely a competition for crowning a stage winner, but a cultural platform that reflects the traditional role of men as community leaders who are courageous and self-sacrificing. Advertisement Citing the KDM legend of Huminodun, he said the story's core values - bravery, emotional strength and responsibility - form the essence of BTK's mission to revive and honour these traits in today's youth. He expressed deepest gratitude to Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, also State Kaamatan organising chairman, for being the first senior leader to truly listen to the voices of young people seeking to revitalise male cultural heritage. 'Datuk Seri Jeffrey was serious when we spoke,' he said, noting how important it is for youth-led movements to receive genuine support from political leaders. Casey also credited Sabah Cultural Board General Manager Mackey Apison, among the earliest institutional supporters of BTK since 2021, for lending credibility to the competition's cultural importance. He said BTK has grown beyond a contest into a movement that promotes unity and becomes a learning ground for rediscovering and dignifying the values of masculinity within the KDM community. 'The presence of you all - contestants, managers, cultural leaders - proves that this heritage still matters to us and is worth defending,' he said. Yet, Casey acknowledged that much remains to be done to document and deepen understanding of male cultural practices, particularly in traditional attire, storytelling and historical narrative. He urged everyone present to take ownership of this mission, declaring: 'If not us, then who? If not now, then when?' He reminded the participants that though their actions may seem small today, they may become the catalyst for safeguarding and restoring heritage for future generations. 'We cannot let this culture disappear simply because we were too silent or too busy,' he stressed, highlighting the urgency of the cause. He told the 49 participants that they are not merely competing but continuing a cultural struggle for recognition and representation. 'You are the torchbearers for future generations who must know that KDM men are not mere spectators during festivals, but value-bearers, thinkers and leaders,' he said. Casey also announced that several awards will again be presented this year to honour contributions behind the scenes, including the Manifesto Award for past winners who completed post-victory assignments, Best Music Contribution, Best Manager and Best District-Level Organiser. He said two new award categories will also be introduced during the grand finale, but remained tight-lipped about the details. From Sunday, he said, official BTK activities will begin at a local shopping mall before the contestants embark on an intensive five-day, four-night programme at the Sabah Cultural Village in Nuluhon Garden, Inanam. He described the camp as a place where the contestants' spirit, knowledge and identity will be put to the test in a setting designed to mould character and deepen self-awareness. 'This is not an easy journey, but I believe each of you has what it takes to see it through with honour,' he said. He encouraged them to see the experience not as a burden but as a transformative process that will shape their sense of self and strengthen their cultural roots. He reminded the finalists that only one would be crowned at the KDCA Hall on May 29, but all would be remembered as part of a powerful resurgence in Sabah's male cultural awakening. Casey urged them to make the 12-day journey meaningful, not just for themselves, but for their culture and the future of KDM heritage. 'We are one big family under Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan,' he said. This year's winner will take home prizes worth approximately RM100,000, including cash, a special 'siga' (traditional Kadazan Dusun headgear), and other sponsored items. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. 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Daily Express
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
BTK crowned as permanent Kaamatan fixture in cultural milestone
Published on: Saturday, May 17, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 17, 2025 By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: BTK 2024 winner Bonyvanture Hee with this year's contestants. - Ricardo Unto/Daily Express KOTA KINABALU: Buvazoi Tavantang Kaamatan (BTK) has officially been recognised as a permanent annual fixture under the State-level Kaamatan Festival's main committee, marking a historic milestone in its 18th edition. BTK organising chairman Casey Jovial said the recognition reflects not only the event's longevity but its growing cultural significance and formal endorsement at the state level. Advertisement Speaking during the official registration of 49 contestants representing districts, sub-districts, and KDCA branches for the 2025 crown, he reminded participants they had already proven themselves as top cultural ambassadors for their communities. He emphasised that BTK is not just a stage competition but a cultural platform to revive the traditional roles of Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) men as brave, responsible leaders rooted in heritage. Casey thanked Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan and Sabah Cultural Board general manager Mackey Apison for their pivotal support, and called on all participants to carry forward the mission of preserving and dignifying KDM male identity. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Free Malaysia Today
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Peter Anthony's review hearing adjourned pending written judgment
Peter Anthony, the former president of KDM, is currently serving a three-year jail term for forgery. (Bernama pic) PUTRAJAYA : A Court of Appeal panel has adjourned former Sabah minister Peter Anthony's application to review his forgery conviction as it awaits the written judgment from another Court of Appeal bench. A three-member bench chaired by Justice Che Ruzima Ghazali said that both the prosecution's preliminary objection and Peter's review application would proceed on the next date, regardless of whether the written judgment was available. Case management will be held on Friday to set a new hearing date. Justices Azman Abdullah and Azhahari Kamal Ramli were the other panel members. Deputy public prosecutor Wan Shahruddin Wan Ladin said they were still waiting for the written reasons from another Court of Appeal panel upholding Peter's conviction and sentence. That panel – comprising Justices Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim, Zaini Mazlan, and Azmi Ariffin – delivered its broad oral grounds of judgment on March 4. Peter's lawyer, Rozal Azimin Ahmad, said they were ready to proceed without the written judgment, but Wan Shahruddin insisted that the review could not move forward until the document was available. Justice Ruzima said Peter must demonstrate a breach of procedural fairness for the review to be allowed, which could be done even without the written judgment. 'This bench cannot revisit the decision made by the previous bench,' he said. On March 14, Peter, the former Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat president, filed an application for an appeals court review in an attempt to overturn his conviction for forgery in connection with a university contract 11 years ago. Peter contended that the Court of Appeal had not considered a 2018 police report in arriving at its decision to uphold his conviction and sentence on March 4. He said the disclosure of the police report by prosecution witness and businessman Shukur Din could have led to a different outcome in his case. In his application, Peter sought a review by another appeals court bench. Peter was sentenced to three years' jail and fined RM50,000 by the sessions court in Kuala Lumpur in 2022. He has paid the fine and is currently serving his sentence. He was convicted of falsifying documents related to a maintenance and service contract at Universiti Malaysia Sabah 11 years ago. He was charged in his capacity as managing director of Syarikat Asli Jati Sdn Bhd with forging a letter from the office of the deputy vice-chancellor, dated June 9, 2014, by inserting a false statement to use it for fraudulent purposes. Peter is the Melalap assemblyman. His seat will be automatically vacated after he has exhausted all legal avenues to overturn his conviction.
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
#Letter: Open letter to the mayor: Time to show leadership in the southern wards
#Letter: Open letter to the mayor: Time to show leadership in the southern wards To say the people of the Dolphin Coast were disappointed by your absence at our Imbizo is putting it mildly. Especially after the meeting had already been postponed. The general feeling is that you have no interest in our area, and this is unacceptable. I think you need to remember that the Dolphin Coast is the golden egg of the area. The rates collected from this area account for a significant portion of KDM's municipal income. We are tired of being neglected. As the town becomes more run-down, our property values decline – and with them, your ability to collect meaningful revenue. We are no longer willing to accept poor service delivery, including ongoing electricity and water shortages. Holidaymakers, a huge part of the Dolphin Coast's income, are saying they will not return. The questions I have are as follows; 1. Why are we paying R175 000 for security for your home? And why is a Durban company contracted and not a local one? Plus the huge cost of your vehicles and personal body guards. 2. If such funding is readily available, why have the traffic lights on Ballito's main road been out of order for months? One has been lying on the ground outside the Lifestyle Centre since well before Christmas. Please do not claim there are no funds, this is totally ridiculous considering the above. Considering the municipality receives absolutely no funds from the taxi business, but you cannot afford a few thousand rands to repair the traffic lights, something is seriously amiss. Yes, I know about budgets, but if your accounts are in order you should have a reserve fund for emergencies, and this is an emergency. 3. Potholes and street lights are not being attended to. Why? 4. If not for the efforts of the Ballito UIP, which has assumed many municipal responsibilities, the condition of the town would be far worse than it already is. Sir, your continued absence and inaction suggest a disregard for our area. Your absence at our Imbizo meeting was not appreciated by all those who made the effort to attend. The size of the turnout should be cause for serious concern. At present, there is little to no public confidence in your leadership as mayor. Letter shortened – Ed. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
