KOTA KINABALU: Dato’ Haji Mohammad Yusof Haji Apdal, who will contest for the position of President of USIA during the USIA Annual Delegates Assembly in early December, stated that there is a gap between the current USIA leadership and its divisions throughout Sabah, particularly in the implementation of da’wah.
Therefore, he said, if we want to see USIA’s da’wah strengthened, the gap that has existed between the cental leadership and the divisions for the past few years must be addressed.
“The effort to bridge the gap that could harm USIA is one of the reasons he accepted nominations from the divisions to lead USIA,” he said.
Yusof said this after meeting with the division heads and representatives in the four interior USIA divisions recently.
The divisions are Keningau, Tambunan, Pensiangan, and Tenom.
Yusof explained that USIA’s Dakwah must be strengthened through USIA’s divisions.
“Sufficient allocations must be made available so that the divisions can carry out their da’wah activities.
“The current practice of allocating minimal funds does not allow the division to plan da’wah programs consistently,” he said.
Yusof promised to restore USIA’s role as a prominent missionary executor, just like the organisation’s role at the beginning of its establishment 55 years ago.
The candidate for the President of USIA also voiced the need to provide offices in every division.
“How can USIA carry out its mission if it does not have an office at the division level?” he asked firmly.
He said that if given the mandate to lead USIA for the next term, two important matters will be given attention, namely DA’WAH and operations in every division.
Yusof also dismissed allegations from certain parties that he was contesting the highest position in USIA for power.
Furthermore, Yusof said that as a Deputy Minister in the Central Cabinet, it provides him with the best opportunity to communicate and plan USIA’s da’wah activities with the leaders of the Federal Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He also emphasised that USIA will continue to forge close cooperation with the state government led by the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
Close cooperation between the Federal Government and the State Government will benefit USIA.
The dream of USIA members to see the oldest da’wah organisation in Sabah emerge as a leading da’wah body once again would become a reality if he wins USIA’s presidential election.
The 38th USIA Annual Representative General Assembly will be held on December 6 and 7 to elect important positions including the Permanent Chairman, Deputy Permanent Chairman, President, Deputy President, Vice Presidents, Youth Leader, Women’s Leader, and members of the USIA Supreme Council.
Yusof will team up with the Deputy President candidate, Haji Madaile Haji Basri, in this election.
Madaile currently holds the position of Senior Vice President of USIA.
