DBNA 65th ANNIVERSARY
KUCHING: The Bidayuh are resilient people and will have a better socio-economic future if they continue to seriously take up education and acquire the right political attitudes, said a former Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) president Datuk Peter Minos.
He said seeing fellow Bidayuhs coming from all over the state to celebrate DBNA’s 65th anniversary together with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg on Friday night was a big source of pride.
“It is a manifestation of Bidayuh social unity at its highest. Congratulations must be given to DBNA president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik and chief adviser Datuk Sri Michael Manyin for leading DBNA and for organising the happy and joyous occasion.
“The Bidayuhs were definitely pleased and happy of the many kind words and advices from the chief minister and his big help to the DBNA’s proposed hostel building,” said Minos in alluding to the RM16 million ringgit government grant announced by the chief minister.
The Bidayuh population of some 220,000 or about eight per cent of Sarawak’s population, is less than one per cent of Malaysia’s population.
Minos said despite past physical hardship and even poverty especially in the 1950s to the early 1970s and late starters in modern development and progress, the Bidayuhs took to formal education seriously.
“Now we see educated Bidayuhs working in the civil service and professionals in the private sector, contributing to the nation’s socio and economic development.”
On political unity, he pointed out that many Bidayuhs themselves often wonder why the community are found in most political parties, both in the ruling Sarawak government and opposition.
“I have no answer, hopefully one day the Bidayuhs will realise how vital it is for a small community to be united in one political party in the Sarawak government,” he said.
