KOTA KINABALU: In a significant move,
more than half of the 29 divisions of the Sabah Islamic Organization (USIA) across Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan are advocating for the positions of President and Deputy President to be contested during the upcoming annual general assembly of USIA at the end of this year.
Today, over eight division leaders personally submitted nomination forms from their respective divisions, urging that elections for these two top positions, as well as the members of the USIA Supreme Council, be conducted as usual.
So far, the divisions in favour of contested elections have sent their nominations directly to the USIA headquarters.
Edul Hj Mulud, speaking on behalf of the divisional chiefs, underscored that
this nomination reflects the democratic values that USIA has consistently championed.
“This morning, my colleagues and I formally submitted our nominations for the USIA leadership, which will be contested at the 38th Annual Delegates Assembly on December 6-7, 2024,” he said in a statement, here today.
Edul said that several divisions have shown their support for the elections alongside their nominations.
“Initially, a circular from USIA headquarters suggested that key roles such as President, Deputy President, Women’s Chief, and Youth Chief should not be challenged.
“However, there is a strong sentiment among many divisions advocating for the elections to proceed,” he clarified.
He pointed out that numerous members and leaders feel their divisions have not received adequate attention on various matters, especially concerning funding that has been insufficient for the past three years.
Consequently, representatives from the divisions are pushing for the elections of the President, Deputy President, Women’s Chief, Youth Chief, and all Supreme Council members to take place during the Annual Delegates Assembly.
Edul emphasised that past USIA leadership has never impeded elections for high-ranking positions within the organisation.
For instance, the late Tun Sakaran Dandai, the second President of USIA, faced a challenge from Deputy President Datuk Haji Abdul Hakim Haji Gulam Hassan for the presidency without any obstacles.
“He faced no barriers in his quest for the highest office in USIA, which is the presidency,” he said.
As a result, Edul and his fellow division leaders are optimistic that the USIA Headquarters and central leadership will honor the desires of the different divisions advocating for a competitive selection process for the top position in USIA.
They firmly believe that the democratic rights of USIA members should be upheld, allowing them to choose their preferred leaders without restriction, he added.
