Mawan: Dayak community must stay united to be heard

KUCHING (March 1: The Dayak community must remain united and properly organised to ensure its voice continues to be heard and recognised in government policies and development planning, said Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom.

The Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) president stressed that clear social direction and collective focus are vital in strengthening the community’s position in a rapidly developing Sarawak.

“When we unite under a proper organisation and place long-term community interests above personal gain, we will be acknowledged and respected,” he said when officiating the launch of the SDNU Matang Branch at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre in Jalan Stampin here on Saturday night.

Mawan, who is Pakan assemblyman and advisor in the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development), cautioned that distancing from the mainstream development agenda could leave the community behind.

“If we isolate ourselves from what the government is offering today, we risk being left out of progress,” he said.

He noted that SDNU members today are more experienced and better equipped to navigate modern challenges compared to the past.

“In modern times, SDNU members are different. We are more experienced and understand how to work together for success. I see many professionals here, young and old alike. Experience and hope must be combined.

“We are not lacking in capability. What sometimes holds us back is a lack of unity or focus,” he added.

Mawan also called on members to prioritise the collective good over individual interests.

“When we support any movement, we must think beyond personal interests and look at the long-term interests of the community. Unity and loyalty mean a lot.

“In the past, extreme thinking and isolation led to divisions. We must learn to collaborate and work with others, because collaboration brings opportunities and benefits,” he said.

Describing the strong turnout at the event as encouraging, he said it reflected a vibrant and united Dayak community in both urban and rural areas.

“As Iban and Dayak people, many of us originated from the ulu and interior regions. Some came to towns long ago, some more recently, and some were born here. But our roots remain the same.

“The fact that we can come together and recognise our shared interests and strength in numbers means we can be acknowledged and respected as a community,” he said.

On education, Mawan underscored its importance in facing the complexities of the modern era.

“The challenges today are complex, but there are many opportunities where our education, training and experience can be combined. Sarawak is progressing rapidly and our economy offers promising prospects. We should move forward together without creating unnecessary problems that may cause others to view us negatively,” he said.

As a sign of support, he pledged a government grant of RM10,000 to the newly formed SDNU Matang Branch and encouraged its leaders to engage other elected representatives and community leaders for additional assistance in future programmes.

Meanwhile, branch chairperson Catherine Jeli Daeng said the branch received approval from the Registrar of Societies (ROS) Sarawak on Feb 18.

“From an initial membership of 81, we have grown to 250 members today. Among our objectives are to unite the Dayak community in Matang and surrounding areas, and to facilitate engagement with the government on issues affecting the community,” she said.

Since its establishment, the branch has participated in various activities, including the Niti Daun procession during the 2025 state-level Gawai Dayak celebration and assisting in organising the 37th SDNU Annual General Meeting in mid-November 2025.

Looking ahead, Jeli said the branch is proposing the appointment of community leaders such as Pemanca or Penghulu in the Matang area to serve as a bridge between the Dayak community and the government.

Among those present were Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datu Sirai Daha, Former Assistant Bishop of the Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei The Rt Revd Aeries Sumping Jingan, organising chairman Sumbang Mandau and SDNU Matang deputy chairman Narok Ukin.