Kadamaian People's Convention 2025 Highlights Community Development Initiatives

15 September 2025

KOTA BELUD: The Kadamaian People's Convention 2025 was successfully held today at the Kadamaian Square Hall, bringing together community leaders, residents, and government officials to discuss and promote key development initiatives for the region.

The event, attended by the President of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO) and Kadamaian State Assemblyman, Datuk Ewon Benedick, took place from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm. It featured eight engaging segments focused on enhancing local infrastructure, social services, and economic opportunities.

These segments included Tamu Desa Premise Facilities, the Sabah State Government Service Special Programme (PANTAS), Village Road Connectivity Projects, School Infrastructure and Educational Assistance, Small Community Facilities, Assistance to Houses of Worship, Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Support Programmes, as well as Politics and Leadership.

Laiman Omar

Laiman Omar, the coordinator for Tamu Desa Sosondoton in Kg Piasau, one of the speakers on the topic, stated, "We are grateful and thankful for the opportunity to speak about Tamu Desa."

"This initiative is a sincere effort, rooted in the belief that with proper planning and determination, we can achieve long-term infrastructure improvements within Tamu Desa. Its strategic placement and ongoing development are vital in enhancing the lives of Tamu Desa participants and strengthening the social cohesion of our community."

He added, "Tamu Desa serves not only as a hub for business but also as a centre for meetings, cultural activities, and social interactions. It provides a platform where, at least within this marketplace, we can share goodness and address the needs of our people."

Laiman expressed his hope that the Tamu Desa, which has grown significantly in size and improved in condition, will continue to bring substantial benefits to the local community. “We must remember our responsibility as grateful citizens and continue to express our thanks to everyone involved,” he said.

Geoffrey Magaran

Meanwhile, Geoffrey Magaran from Kg Kaung spoke about road projects connecting various villages. He addressed the community's ongoing efforts to improve transportation infrastructure within the Kadamaian area, with a particular focus on road connectivity and bridge construction.

He highlighted two main experiences that illustrate both the progress made and the challenges still faced by local villages. The first concerns ongoing issues faced by villages still struggling with inadequate roads and the condition of their existing bridges.

These infrastructural problems have historically hampered daily activities, especially transportation and access to essential services.

The second experience outlined the solutions that have been implemented. Notably, he shared a significant achievement: the allocation of over RM13 million for a new concrete bridge spanning the Kadamaian River, a wide waterway that previously caused difficulties for villagers. This bridge has greatly improved connectivity, as the roads leading to and from the village have now been concreted, enabling smoother and safer travel.

John Sindoong

Meanwhile, John Sindoong from Kg Taginambur spoke about Small Community and Village Projects. He explained that his presentation focused on the small community management project, which involves community facilities. This project aims to improve the well-being and daily amenities of local residents.

It includes enhancements to basic facilities such as repairs to the multipurpose hall, village gravity pipes, improvements to the volleyball courts, and repairs to drainage ditches still present in the village.

Pundus Limpang

Pundus Limpang, Chairperson of the Pelancungan Tagal Cooperative in Kg Lingkubang, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share his thoughts. He highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen local development and emphasised the importance of continued support for the vision set forth by the honourable Datuk.

Pundus mentioned that Datuk Ewon Benedick has played a significant role in supporting small-scale projects aimed at meeting community needs. These initiatives are vital in improving local infrastructure and services, especially to accommodate the increasing number of tourists visiting the area. Such efforts are crucial in strengthening community development and ensuring sustainable growth. He expressed confidence in the future, believing that Ewon will continue to implement development plans for peace and prosperity until 2035. This vision aims to foster a harmonious and thriving community, benefiting all residents.

He urged everyone to work together in unity and shared purpose to realise the community’s collective goals.

Mail Balinu

Mail Balinu, a resident of Kampung Togudon expressed his admiration and hopes for the continued leadership of Ewon. He passionately shared the journey and achievements of this esteemed leader, emphasising the importance of steadfast community support and sustained development efforts.

Mail began by highlighting Ewon’s remarkable leadership journey, which started in his youth. Despite being young and still a teenager, Ewon demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities that quickly earned him the trust and confidence of his community and party. His dedication and early leadership paved the way for numerous significant appointments within the government.

He recounted Ewon’s rise from private secretary to political secretary to the Minister of Agriculture, and later as head of the Ministry of Rural Development. These roles showcased his capacity to serve effectively and to earn the trust of colleagues and constituents alike.

Most recently, Ewon was appointed to a senior ministerial position, a testament to his leadership qualities and the community’s confidence in him. Mail expressed pride in Ewon’s accomplishments and hopes that he continues to be elected as the representative for Kadamaian.

Community support remains strong, and Mail emphasised that many residents—from the young to the elderly, including his own mother-in-law—are eager for Ewon’s continued leadership. Their faith in him is evident, and Mel believes his influence and authority are rooted in genuine community trust.

He concluded by expressing his deep admiration for Ewon’s leadership journey and his strong hope that Ewon will continue to serve as an effective and dedicated representative, guiding the community towards a brighter future.

This convention which received a tremendous response not only showcased development projects but also reinforced the community's commitment to progress and collaboration. It reflected the people’s support for Ewon, who is also the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, and their desire to see this leader continue guiding them towards a prosperous future.

Also present during the event were UPKO Notables and party stalwarts as well as members of the community.