SERIAN: The Bidayuh community must continue to embrace progress and modernisation without losing sight of its identity, culture and roots.
Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the community must also remain united as it prepares the younger generation for the future.
“We must never allow progress to come at the expense of our identity. We must embrace modernisation, but we must not forget our roots.
“We must prepare our young people for the future, but we must also teach them where they came from,” he said when officiating at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Serian Branch Community Centre here on Friday night (Aug 21).
Sagah, who is also DBNA adviser, said unity had been instrumental in bringing the Bidayuh community to where it is today.
He said DBNA’s achievements would not have been possible without its members moving in one direction with a common purpose and vision.
Through land documentation initiatives, education, seminars, symposiums, cultural programmes and community activities, he said DBNA had helped advance the community while preserving its traditions and customs.
Sagah also reminded the community not to forget the sacrifices of past leaders and elders who laid the foundation for the progress enjoyed today.
“We are where we are today because they had the courage to dream beyond their own generation.
“They wanted to see a Bidayuh community that was united, strong and resilient. They understood that when a community is divided, it becomes vulnerable,” he said.
On the new community centre, Sagah said it should serve as a place for young people to learn, elders to share their knowledge, and the community to celebrate its culture.
He also hoped the facility could generate opportunities and income for DBNA Serian to become more self-reliant and continue serving the community.
“A building is only valuable when it is filled with people, ideas, activities and purpose,” he said.
