Jaliusih burst into laughter when Kiulu rep calls his daughter a celebrity

 By Olivia Miwil - July 16, 2023 @ 8:27pm

Jaliusih Madakol (right) and wife Malian Bangkulat (second right) and Arnie share a light moment with Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai during a meet up in Kiulu. - Pic courtesy of Datuk Joniston Bangkuai

TUARAN: Jaliusih Madakol burst into laughter when Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai called his daughter, Arnie, a celebrity.

The 63-year-old rubber tapper from Kampung Sinansag Kiulu in Tamparuli, near here, has touched many hearts when his story of borrowing RM120 to attend Arnie's Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination results announcement went viral.

The article's accompanying candid photo of him looking dearly towards his third child, who scored a perfect 4.0 in the examination, also showed his pride as a father.

"He laughed because I told them she (Arnie) is now a celebrity. I also asked her (Arnie) if she knew me after I introduced myself as Joniston. She replied with a giggling smile, 'saya kanal bah' (of course I know).

"Arnie is the first STPM student from SMK Tun Fuad Stephens to achieve a 4-flat result. We hope that she will become an inspiration for other students in Kiulu to achieve excellent results in the future.

"Arnie has proven that poverty is not a hindrance to success in education," he added, mentioning that he personally contacted Arnie to congratulate her on her achievement two days ago.

Joniston, who is also Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) information chief, said the call was to personally congratulate her after reading the New Straits Times report about Jaliusih.

He also mentioned being present to witness the presentation of contributions and to discuss several funds offered for Arnie's university studies and to assist her family.

"Yesterday, the Kiulu Adun Service Centre personnel also visited the family and inspected their house condition at Kampung Sinansag to understand their needs," he added.

It is learned that Sabah MARA, Yayasan Sabah, and a few other universities have offered placements and financial assistance for Arnie to pursue her tertiary education.

The story has also been widely shared in Singapore-based news and portals, opening more and better opportunities for the girl from a rural village here. Arnie aspires to be a teacher.