Uggah: Unity among Sarawak’s Dayak ethnic groups at all-time high

KUCHING (May 23): Unity among the different Dayak ethnic groups in Sarawak is at an all-time high, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

He said this could be seen at the many pre-Gawai Dayak celebrations held since early this month.

“I was in Miri for a similar division-level gathering yesterday. There, 28 Dayak different groups had collaborated to make a great success of the gathering.

“In Betong, the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu associations and their respective community members, too had worked together to celebrate,” he said during the Lundu-district pre-Gawai Dayak celebration last night.

Uggah said he was pleased to note such strong unity within the Dayak community as well as among non-Dayaks as well.

He said the Selako, Bidayuh, and Iban communities had worked together to organise last night’s event and the Niti Daun (procession) in the morning.

“Now, even in the recent DUN (State Legislative Assembly) sitting, there were no Dayak elected representatives sitting in the Opposition bench.

“Why? It is because we all want development. Our very strong unity will immensely assist our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in administering Sarawak, planning, and bringing in more developments,” he said.

The Bukit Saban assemblyman called on the Dayak community to continue strengthening their relationships.

“Let us all make it our commitment to unite strongly despite coming from many different ethnic groups with different cultures and traditions,” he stressed.

On Lundu, he said the district is enjoying more development now.

“I am most happy for the Opar constituency, which has returned to the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) fold. Both the Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang and his neighbouring constituency, Tanjong Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan, are young and very energetic.

“They are in the position to do more great things for Lundu,” Uggah added.

At the function, he presented an RM50,000 grant to Billy for the Lundu Gawai Dayak organising committee.