Student gets funds to pay for University fees

10 October 2024

KOTA KINABALU: The Minister of Community Development and People's Welfare (KPMKR) and Member of the State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) for Sugut, Datuk James Ratib, presented RM3,000 to 20-year-old Crisnanalina Jumis from Kg Dalamas, Paitan, to support her further studies at the University of Malaysia Sabah (UMS) on Thursday.

James explained that the assistance was delivered by Justinus Jalang, the Public Relations Secretary (SUPA) of the KPMKR Minister and ADUN Sugut. Crisnanalina was accepted into UMS after successfully completing her Form 6 at SMK Pitas.

“As a leader in Sugut, I am committed to helping everyone, regardless of political affiliations. What matters most is that people communicate their needs to me,” he emphasised.

“As the representative of the people in Sugut, I face no barriers in assisting those who require help. The challenge arises when individuals do not reach out for assistance, possibly due to political differences; without communication, I cannot know about their struggles,” he stated.

It was understood that the family, particularly Crisnanalina, did not inform the ADUN office or the Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) for the Sugut constituency about the issues they faced.

James further noted that political ideological differences or other constraints might cause them to hesitate in seeking assistance.

“As an ADUN, I am always open to helping the people in need, including issues related to hospital payments (financing for inpatient bills) for the public, especially for children's education in this area.

“That is why I recently launched the Datuk James Ratib Education Fund (TDJR) for the children of Sugut starting in 2025, because I want no children from Sugut to be left behind in their education, especially when it comes to pursuing higher education, whether in public or private institutions,” he explained.

James stated that he is very concerned about the education of youth in Sugut and that it would be impossible for him not to help if parents of students reached out to him via phone, written requests, or by meeting him directly, or at least contacting his officers in the Sugut area.

James further mentioned that starting next year, the DJR Education Fund for the Sugut constituency will assist underprivileged students, with the hope that issues like this will no longer occur.

James further announced that starting next year, the DJR Education Fund for the Sugut constituency will provide assistance to underprivileged students, aiming to eliminate financial barriers to education.

“With the establishment of the DJR Education Fund in 2025, no students from the Sugut area pursuing higher education at colleges or universities should fall behind due to financial constraints,” he stated.

“This fund will cover initial expenses, particularly registration fees and other early payments, helping to alleviate the financial burden on families,” he added.

He emphasised that until the TDJR Education Fund is launched next year, any students from Sugut who receive offers for further studies should not hesitate to reach out to him.

“As the representative of the people in Sugut, I am always open to providing assistance as best as I can. If I am not informed or notified, I cannot know what challenges are being faced."

“I only became aware of this issue when a local newspaper reported yesterday on the difficulties encountered by students from my area who registered at UMS, as highlighted on social media,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Crisnanalina expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Datuk James Ratib for his generous donation of RM3,000, which will help alleviate her expenses while studying at UMS.

Crisnanalina's story recently went viral, showcasing her acceptance to UMS despite facing significant financial challenges.

Although she received an offer to study at UMS, her family was unable to afford the RM3,000 required for registration, which is due by October 14, along with other associated costs.

With the assistance from the Minister, she can continue her academic journey well.