SIBU: The Sibu Melanau Association has been urged to revamp by reviewing its objectives and mission.
According to Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, the move is essential to ensure the association has a strong impact and direction.
“I would like to request the association to consider focusing their future activities on the youth, particularly their members, the younger generation of the Melanau community,” he said.
He made these remarks when speaking to reporters after officiating at the closing ceremony of the ‘Fiesta Jom Adik Kakak’ event, organised by the association at its premises last night (Jan 5).
Abdullah, who is also the Semop assemblyman, stressed the importance of developing human capital within an organisation, which could eventually benefit the association.
He suggested that the association take proactive measures by organising career development programmes or entrepreneurship workshops to assist members who are unemployed.
“The association should also establish a database of Melanau students at universities, including the courses they are pursuing and their financial challenges.
“If financial issues arise, collaboration with Yayasan Sarawak or other agencies can be initiated to provide briefings on educational assistance,” he added.
Abdullah also advised the association to serve as an information and innovation hub for its members while collaborating with other agencies to organise informative programmes.
“For instance, through government incentives such as the RM1,200 pocket money for students announced in the latest budget and Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) registration, the association can act as an information source for these government initiatives.
“The association could also collaborate with organisations like Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) to bring in successful young icons, such as digital entrepreneurs, as inspiration for the younger generation.
“Therefore, I hope this association will take a more proactive approach in this direction,” he said.
He said preserving heritage and culture is important, but it should not be the sole focus as there are many other activities that can be explore.
Meanwhile, on the association’s appeal to have the Sibu Melanau Association building designated as a heritage building, Abdullah advised the association to draft a proposal and supporting documents for the initiative.
“Actually, under the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, led by its minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, there is an Arts, Culture and Heritage Facilitation Fund that can be utilised for such purposes,” he said.
Also present was the chairman of the Sibu Melanau Association Mohamad Anis Ili.
