KITA-UKM study to Deputy CM of Sabah, 25 June 2018

On June 25, 2018 Prof. Datuk Dr. Denison Jayasooria met up with the Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, YB Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau while he was in Kuala Lumpur.

Denison who is Principal Research Fellow of KITA-UKM presented a copy of a recent study on CSO/NGOs in Sabah and their work in community development. Study was funded by Department of National Unity & Integration (JPNIN). The focus was on how faith based Christian organisations are undertaking social intervention programs for the upliftment of the poor in Sabah.

A number of innovative approaches were identified such as community forestry, alternative learning centres, community learning centres, youth prep centres and economic projects such as ecotourism. In addition the study noted contemporary challenges such as lack of resources, technical know how and distrust of certain agencies.

Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius was happy to receive the study and agreed to assist in the follow up on some of the key recommendations including hosting a forum among key agencies to hear a presentation of the study findings in Kota Kinabalu.