SIBU: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has dismissed claims on social media that the Dayak community has been denied positions in the State administration.
He said many Dayaks have held and continue to hold strategic positions in the state and federal governments, as well as in key agencies and sectors.
“Is that true? If so, how is it possible that strategic positions in Sarawak today and previously have been held by so many Dayaks?” he said during the PBB Central Zone Special Convention here today (July 26).
Nanta cited several examples, including the chief executive officer of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), who is an Iban, as well as the heads of the State Agriculture Department and the Sarawak Health Service.
He also pointed to Dayak representation in the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), the State Secretary’s Office, the police force and various state ministries.
Nanta noted that former Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata is an Iban, while the current Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu is also an Iban.
He said many Dayaks also serve as permanent secretaries in state ministries, while at the federal level they have held senior positions, including former director-general of Immigration and the current secretary-general of the Digital Ministry.
He added that Dayaks, including women, have also been entrusted with important positions in sectors such as petroleum and energy.
“What is important is the qualifications and capabilities of the person, and if he is qualified, he should be given a chance,” he said.
Nanta stressed that while it was not wrong for the Dayak community to fight for its interests, such efforts should not be turned into a means of creating racial division or hatred.
“As an Iban, I do not like racist approaches,” he said, adding that he was concerned about narratives circulating on TikTok and other social media platforms that could be used to divide Sarawakians.
He said the government had also provided opportunities and training to people from various communities, stressing the need for a more inclusive approach.
“We need to be more inclusive so that certain parties no longer have a reason to use this issue as an attack against us,” he said.
Nanta said PBB and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) had always adhered to the principle that every qualified Sarawakian should be given space and opportunities to serve regardless of race.
“This is our strength. This is the formula for Sarawak’s success all these years,” he said.
He also urged Sarawakians not to be easily influenced by narratives deliberately created to divide the people of the State.
