SARIKEI: The socio-economic status of the Bidayuhs had seen tremendous development over the years and they are now proud to be called Bidayuhs.

In saying this, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong added this was unlike the past when many Bidayuhs were ashamed of their race.

“As the socio-economic status of the community had already improved, they are proud to call themselves Bidayuhs now,” Manyin said when he officiated at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Sarikei branch’s 23rd anniversary and
closing of Gawai celebration at the civic centre here recently.

Manyin attributed the progress of the community to their receptiveness to positive ideas especially the transformation policies undertaken by the Barisan Nasional (BN)
government.

He singled out the great attention accorded by the community to education as the main factor of progress.

Equipped with a good education and skills, many Bidayuhs became successful throughout the country and even overseas, he said.

Manyin who is also DBNA advisor, commended the association for fulfilling its role as an agent of change, adding, through the dissemination of accurate information on government policies; DBNA had been able to convince the majority of the community to become players and not mere spectators in the government’s development programmes.

Manyin also stressed on the importance of unity among the Bidayuh community especially among the Bidayuhs who still speak Selako in Bau, Serian and Padawan.

In this respect, he hoped DBNA could work towards ‘decentralising’ the Bidayuhs in these areas into an integrated community.

Many in also pledged a contribution of RM 10,000 to DBNA to support its activities.

Meanwhile, DBNA president Ik Pahon in his speech said the association will be zoning in on the importance of education and encouraging the community to support the perimeter survey of native customary rights (NCR) land.

To promote education, DBNA will be organising motivational seminars and giving out educational incentives to excellent Bidayuh students.

To convince the community to support the NCR perimeter survey, DBNA will be holding dialogues between the landowners and the relevant agencies.

DBNA Sarikei branch chairman Dr Alim Impira, in his speech also said that his committee would be according special focus on the education of their children.

In that respect, they had decided to rent a shop lot to set up a Bidayuh Centre, he said, adding, the proposed centre would be used for holding motivational talks and tuition classes.

Among those present were political secretary to the chief minister John David Nyuak. Sarikei Resident Michael Dawi Alli, SDC chairman Chan Phan Chan, deputy district police chief DSP Dominic Josip and Rev Father Joseph Sebastian.

(Source:  The Borneo Post, 25 June 2013)