SDNU only accepts those truly adhering to ‘Segulai Sejalai’ spirit, says president

KUCHING (Oct 29): The Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) has always subscribed to the ‘Segulai Sejalai’ (united in moving forward) concept that calls for working closely with the government of the day.

In highlighting this, its president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom hailed the union as a ‘civil society that opposes all divisive elements’.

“I have told our supreme executive council members in Kuching that we all have various racial backgrounds, not only the Ibans.

“And also, if you have a political hat other than those associated with the government of the day, please leave it outside,” he said at a dinner held in Lundu near here on Sunday, where those attending included members of the newly-registered Pekan Lundu branch of SDNU.

The Pakan assemblyman, also an advisor in Sarawak Premier’s Office, said SDNU would normally not reject membership applications, but it required new members to subscribe to government policies.

“They must also not be backstabbers who make use of the union as platform for self-interest. When various pro-government Dayak entities work closer together under one roof, their existence and voice would be more remarkable and sustainable.”

Mawan said he was compelled to highlight this because at one particular time, SDNU had experienced slow progress and inaction due to all its causes being affected by ‘internal division and external politicking’.

“Now, it is time for SDNU to move forward not only in championing Dayak culture and traditions, but to also penetrate into business and entrepreneurship as part of effort in contributing to the national and state economy,” he said.

Also present at the Lundu event were Tanjong Datu assemblyman Azizul Adenan, SDNU Pekan Lundu chairperson Councillor Lancia Tasing, as well as local community leaders Pemanca Benjamin Gersit and Pemanca Chin Kian Ming.