Discussion on KITA-UKM Study – Christians & social organisations in Sabah, 23 March 2018

KITA Principal Fellow Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria the Lead Researcher in this study which was commissioned by the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN), presented some of the findings of the data collected from 23 Christian and church-based organisations in Sabah addressing socio-economic concerns. The presentation was undertaken on March 23rd, 2018 from 3pm to 5pm at the Sabah Suhakam office in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Suhakam Commissioner Datuk Godfrey Greogory Joitol said a word of welcome and pass the time to Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria and his research assistant Mr James Raj to make the presentation. About 20 people participated in the time of discussion and a majority of them also had be involved in the study. There was appreciation for the work done and a number felt that the study to be enlarged to cover the whole of Sabah.

What clearly emerged was that there was an awakening in the Christian community to address unmet concerns and issues especially pertaining to indigenous peoples concerns for socio-economic development including the right to customary land rights as well as a right for cultural identity and sub ethnic native languages.

There was also a request made for continuing CSO networking and engaging with SDGs and widening the CSO partnership in addressing socio-economic, human rights and environmental sustainability concerns across faiths and ethnic communities so as to ensure no one is left behind.