KAPIT: Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi presented a grant for RM25,000 to Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Song Branch, recently.
Of the amount, RM5,000 is expenses incurred during SDNU Song AGM while RM20,000 is for SDNU Song to organise this year’s Pre-Gawai gathering.
Nanta also pledged another RM10,000 to SDNU Song to organise a motivation seminar for UPSR or PT3 candidates to improve the academic excellence of students in the Song district.
“This grant will only be given after the motivational seminar is organised,” he said.
The grant presentation was held to coincide with SDNU Song branch’s Annual General Meeting held at Song Community Hall, recently.
Among those present were Song District Officer, Jackline Bte August, chairperson of Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) Song branch, Christy Simbah Enggong, Pemanca Jamit Untam and about 250 guests and SDNU members.
During the function Nanta who is also Member of Parliament for Kapit also announced the donation of a 1.5-ton lorry by FELCRA, an agency under the purview of his ministry as its corporate social responsibility (CSR) for SDNU Song.
Nanta who is also Deputy President of SDNU called on members of SDNU Song to be more proactive in carrying out their activities and to focus more on community-based programmes to further improve the socio-economic wellbeing of rural community.
“Many rural communities do not have access and are unaware of the government’s latest policies and strategies. SDNU members in Song district are mostly professionals comprising teachers and others. I have great confidence that you can impart the latest government policies and strategies for the benefit of the rural communities,” said Nanta.
He was also optimistic that members of SDNU Song are capable of bringing the organisation to greater heights and to look into the welfare of the members and rural community at large.
Nanta also cautioned them not to split the organisation.
“Do not quarrel over posts in the organisation and among yourselves. SDNU is a trade mark and an identity for the Dayak community. Hence, you must safeguard its integrity,” he said.
