Julau MP clarifies Dayak unity remarks, denies political intent

KUCHING (March 27): Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng has clarified that his recent remarks on Dayak unity issues were not meant to be political or to stoke sentiments, following feedback over his comments in a podcast.

In a Facebook post, Sng said that as an elected representative of a predominantly Dayak constituency, he felt a responsibility to raise such issues despite being ethnically Chinese.

“Having assimilated with the community — speaking the language, appreciating the culture and adopting similar ways of thinking — I am very conscious that I am not here to tell the people what they should be doing.

“As I said in the podcast, ‘What are you not doing that others are doing?’. The answer is for Dayak leaders to address, not me,” he said.

Sng noted that he had received both positive feedback and criticisms from members of the Dayak community following the podcast.

He proposed that Dayak non-governmental organisations (NGOs) come together to organise a forum to discuss shared concerns and aspirations.

“They can also honour community leaders who have excelled in fields such as academia, business, sports and entertainment, while charting a common vision and goals for the community,” he said.

Acknowledging that uniting all Dayaks under a single political party may not be feasible at present, Sng said it would be more practical to find common ground on key issues, including greater representation in state seats, increased participation in government, and improved equity in the private sector.

He stressed that such efforts should not be seen as a challenge to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) or other communities, but rather a collaborative effort.

“It is not my intention to play politics or stir sentiments. If such issues are left unaddressed for too long, disparities may widen and eventually affect the state’s harmony and unity.

“It can also serve as a platform for GPS to highlight its achievement for the Dayak community, and address any misconceptions with facts,” he said.

During a segment of the ‘Tuak Talk’ podcast on fragmented Dayak politics, Sng had said that as the largest ethnic group in Sarawak, Dayaks should have greater representation in leadership positions.

He also called for a shift in mindset within the community, noting that long-standing divisions have weakened its social and political influence.