MIRI: Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau has been given a third term as president of Sarawak Kayan Association (Persatuan Kayan Sarawak ― PKS).
He was returned unopposed during the association’s seventh triennial general meeting (TGM) at Dynasty Hotel Miri last Saturday.
Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni officiated at the meeting which was attended by 110 delegates and observers.
The other office bearers are Micheal Mujah (deputy president), Gurung Wan (vice president), Harris Jau Wan (appointed secretary-general), Dorothy Ibau (assistant secretary-general), Daniel Jok (appointed treasurer general) and Stephen Karim Langang (assistant treasurer).
The ordinary committee members are Laing Uvang, Frederick Uyo, Hubong Uyo, Ketua Kaum (KK) Luhong Tajang, Alice Livan, KK Usun Steward, Musa Wan and Gillian Long Anyie.
Assistant Minister for Electricity Datuk Liwan Lagang, Temenggong Elizabeth Deng, Pemanca Umek Jeno and Lah Jau Uyo, and the immediate past president were proposed as advisors.
With a desire to emulate other progressive ethnic groups which have associations/societies as platforms to unite and take care of their welfare, the Kayan decided to form their own association in 1997.
As it turned out, PKS has indeed become a unifying factor for the community, helping them to grow from strength to strength.
Today, the association has close to 2,000 active members throughout the state. It has branches in Miri, Kuching, Bintulu, Marudi, Nahah A, Long Lama and Asap. Efforts are being made to form one each for Sibu and Limbang.
In his acceptance speech, Dennis challenged the association to work hard to stay relevant and participate in mainstream development today and in the future.
While the association has some roles in maintaining Kayan traditions and culture, Dennis urged Kayans to get along with other ethnic groups for the sake of socio-political peace, political stability and economic progress.
“Make friends with them because it’s too hard to survive or develop on our own,” he said, adding that the Kayan would achieve more success if they remained united and support one and another.
Turning to education, he encouraged the association to make it a high priority because “it is known as a crucial key to success in life”.
Kayans and members of other Orang Ulu sub-groups are found all over the world today due to their positive attitude which has helped them overcome life’s obstacles.
