KUCHING: The Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) will intensify efforts to ensure that issues surrounding the construction of the Rumah Dayak can be fully resolved in the near future.
SDNU President, Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, said SDNU has received encouraging signals from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg regarding government support for the long-delayed Rumah Dayak project.
Speaking after the union’s 37th Triennial General Assembly, he said the Premier had indicated during an event at SDNU dinner that the government is looking at all possible avenues to assist associations and social bodies, including SDNU.
“The Premier mentioned that if assistance can be given to organisations such as DCCI, Dayak cultural bodies, DBNA and others, then there is no reason SDNU should be left out. That was what he implied in his remarks last night,” Mawan said.
He added that SDNU has yet to formally brief the Premier on its updated priorities, but emphasised that Abang Johari appeared committed to ensuring SDNU is not left behind as Sarawak undergoes rapid transformation.
“We now have a clearer, more organised role. We want to cooperate fully and help the government disseminate accurate information, especially to rural communities, so they are prepared for the massive transformation happening in Sarawak.
“If we don’t help prepare the people, then what is our role? We cannot merely be asking, we must stand alongside the government,” he said.
Mawan also said he had personally expressed SDNU’s commitment to the Premier the night before.
‘We are not extremist; we support transformation. We are not an organisation that applauds extremism or divisive ideologies. We are allergic to extremism, racism or any form of radicalism.
“We want to play a constructive role. The government has a huge transformation agenda, and SDNU must help facilitate that change,” he said reiterating SDNU’s moderate stance.
Meanwhile, he added that the Premier appears to see SDNU’s eagerness to participate meaningfully in the state’s development, particularly as Sarawak moves toward its 2030 targets.
“The Rumah Dayak issue is already before us, but it is not a hurdle that will stop us. We will overcome it very soon. The process is moving, and we are doing our part to contribute and accelerate progress,” he said.
SDNU is expected to meet the Premier soon to present its technical requirements.
“I have instructed our engineers and technical team to focus and ensure we are fully prepared before presenting anything. We do not want to rush and end up prioritising wrongly,” he added.
“We are very grateful to have a leader who understands us, and we understand his vision,” he said.
Mawan expressed gratitude for the Premier’s openness and understanding.
