‘Jangan tengok sahaja’: Gira urges Dayaks to seize opportunities

KUCHING (March 15): The Dayak community must become active participants in development rather than remain passive observers, said Christopher Gira Sambang.

The Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) deputy president said the community should seize opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the state’s progress.

“Borrowing Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian’s popular catchphrase, I say ‘Jangan tengok sahaja’ (don’t just watch). We must be active participants; otherwise, we will continue to lag behind others in the pace of development,” he said.

Gira, who is also the Tamin assemblyman, said this when officiating at the 62nd anniversary dinner of the Sarawak Dayak National Union held at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre here on Saturday night.

He stressed that unity remains the community’s greatest strength and urged the Dayak people to continue working together while maintaining strong ties with other communities in Sarawak.

“We have a proud history, but our true strength must be in how we shape the future,” he said.

Gira added that Sarawak’s future also depends heavily on the strength and quality of its human capital.

As such, he urged the Dayak community to invest in education, knowledge and skills to ensure they continue playing an important role in the state’s development.

“I would like to emphasise that the young people of the Dayak community must have the courage to dream big. They must dare to aim high and pursue greater achievements in life,” he said.

He expressed hope that more Dayak youths would emerge as professionals such as doctors, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and leaders in various fields.

“By doing so, they will not only uplift themselves and their families but also contribute to the progress and development of Sarawak,” he added.

Gira said the anniversary gathering also served as a reminder of the Dayak community’s long journey and struggle in Sarawak.

For many years, he said, the community had worked hard to improve its standing and ensure it could stand on equal footing with other communities in the state.

“However, our struggle does not end with history. The real strength of the Dayak must lie in how we prepare ways and means for the future generations,” he said.

He noted that gatherings such as the SDNU anniversary dinner provided an important platform for members to reflect, exchange views and plan for the future of the younger generation.

Gira also encouraged continued support for community organisations and grassroots initiatives aimed at uplifting the community.

“Through cooperation and collective effort, we can achieve greater progress for our community and for Sarawak as a whole,” he said.

On another matter, Gira highlighted the urgent need for the SDNU Siol Branch to secure a new burial ground.

He said the existing graveyard at Kampung Siol Kandis was nearing full capacity and urged the branch to identify a suitable plot of land before submitting a proposal to the state government.

During the event, Gira pledged RM20,000 to the SDNU Siol Branch and RM10,000 to its youth wing to help finance their annual programmes.

Among those present were adviser in the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030) Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, who is also former State secretary, former Malaysian Pepper Board director-general Datuk Grunsin Ayom, Kuching Iban Temenggong Nelson Kloni Kanang, Petra Jaya Iban Penghulu Jos Jawa, Kampung Siol Kandis (Dayak) headman Gani Udai, SDNU Siol Branch chairman Pani Igoh and organising chairperson Audrey Wilson, as well as several SDNU supreme executive committee members.