Dayak National Congress delegates invite Deputy Premier to International Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration

The DNC delegation with Uggah (fourth left) and Richard (fifth left) during the former's courtesy visit on Aug 1, 2024.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Aug 1: Delegates from the Dayak National Congress (DNC) paid a courtesy visit to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah to invite and inform him about the upcoming International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024 celebration, which will be held from Aug 9 to 10.

In a statement, DNC president Richard Lias, who led the delegation, revealed that the celebration would include a forum and a cultural dinner.

The event is expected to attract participation from three international and 26 local Dayak NGOs, with five NGOs from Sabah and 17 from Indonesia.

“The expected distinguished guests include Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffery Gapari Kitingan,” Richard disclosed.

Richard added that the courtesy visit was also an opportunity to inform the Deputy Premier that the DNC aims to collaborate with the government for the betterment of the Dayak community, in the true spirit of ‘Segulai Sejalai’.

Meanwhile, Uggah urged Dayak non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like the DNC to work hand in hand with the government to help the community progress and prosper.

He added that as there are many NGOs, the government needs their collaboration to reach out to various sectors of the community.

Uggah reiterated that although Sarawak has been declared a high-income region by the World Bank, some residents still need assistance in generating regular income on their own.

Uggah expressed hope that NGOs could play their roles in explaining to the people the many government policies and programs aimed at generating income.

“NGOs must play their part in informing and educating the community. We also want them to be abreast of the progress that we are making. We are, after all, an inclusive government,” he said. — DayakDaily