KOTA BELUD: Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick has vowed to fight the issue of teaching Kadazandusun Language (BKD) in teaching institutes (IPG) with the relevant ministries with a view to empowering the Kadazandusun language.
Recognising the need to further strengthen Kadazandusun language education, he said he would soon raise the issue of BKD with the Minister of Education and Higher Education.
Ewon, who is also Kadamaian assemblyman said the purpose of the discussion was to find solutions to the problems and challenges faced by BKD teachers.
“We will consult with relevant ministries to strengthen research on the Kadazandusun language at the level of higher education institutions such as the Sultan Idris Teaching University (UPSI).
“Apart from that, the issue of ethnic language specialization at the Teacher Education Institute (IPG) which is not listed in the recruitment of teacher candidates for the 2023 session has also caused frustration and concern among BKD teachers.
“I will discuss this issue with the minister concerned and find a solution to strengthen the Kadazandusun language,” he said.
Ewon said this when inaugurating the district-level Kadazandusun Language Carnival (BKD) at the SMK Narinang near here today.
Ewon, who is also a Penampang Member of Parliament and Pertubuhan Kinabalu Progresif Bersatu (UPKO) president, said that if BKD studies are no longer offered at IPG, the BKD programme at UPSI should be strengthened.
So far, UPSI only offers BKD programmes as minors and electives.
“The BKD programme needs to be empowered to meet the urgent need, not only to supply more trained and competent teachers in the field of Kadazandusun Language but also to meet the energy and job market with qualified and skilled people such as journalists, radio DJs, television hosts, tour guides, and lecturers.
“In addition, providing a BKD area of study is also important for expanding academic research related to language, culture, and literature in that language,” he said.
