KUCHING: The Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) has been urged to remain proactive and serve as agents of change as Sarawak moves toward a new, green economy, said its president, Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom.
Mawan said, during his meeting with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the latter acknowledged that organisations like SDNU occasionally face administrative and financial hurdles, including issues involving land titles, premium payments and the need for bank facilities.
“In managing land matters, there may be situations where premiums must be settled or bank overdraft facilities explored.
“These processes require proper endorsement, and if the need arises, you must be prepared to work closely with your land titles,” he said, when met after the union’s 37th Triennial General Assembly (TGA) and election at a local hotel here on Saturday.
He added that having a financial safety buffer and strengthening internal governance would help the organisation better manage its assets and negotiations.
He also called on SDNU’s younger, educated members to uphold a progressive spirit and support government initiatives.
“Be more active. Be the agents of change. Translate programmes to all members. SDNU is a large organisation with loyal members who work closely with the authorities.
“Leave behind old mindsets and move forward with new thinking, work side by side with the authority or the government. With that spirit, you are young and educated people. Not in the past wishful thinking,” he said.
Mawan also assured SDNU that the government would continue to supporting Dayak development initiatives as the state advances its green economic agenda and as well as the state in accelerating service delivery, boosting transformation in realising Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
During the 37th TGA and also the organisation’s election, Mawan maintains his continuity in the top leadership as SDNU president, for the 2025-2027 term, running into its sixth term, from 2012.
Out of all positions avail in the organisation, only three positions were contested, while the rest remained unopposed.
The new office bearers comprised of President, Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom; Deputy President, Christopher Gira Sambang; Senior Vice President, Chambai Lindong; Vice-President, Ambrose Jarat; Treasurer General, Jepthre Empali; and Publicity Officer, Churchill Edward.
Former Ministry of Transport Sarawak permanent secretary, Datuk Alice Jawan, continues as an appointed vice-president in her capacity as Women’s Wing Chief.
Meanwhile, the contested and new positions included Secretary-General, Gerard Joseph (incumbent), and Assistant Treasurer-General, Norina Emas Guang.
While the 11 out of 14 candidates for the Ordinary Supreme Executive Committee (SEC) are Samuel Sila Matthew Unjah, Conrad Inti Robin, Henry Banyan, Peter Moni Selat, Denis Gasan Gundup, Pani Igoh, Penghulu Adi Jala, Anthony Ugur Nili, Augustine Lim Untoi, Jeti Kumpai Endawi and Sebastian Klambu.
SDNU was established on May 10, 1956, and it currently has a network of 48 branches, including active Women and Youth wings.
