MIRI: The Federation of Orang Ulu Associations of Sarawak, Malaysia (FORUM) has played a crucial role in uniting the Orang Ulu community, as well as strengthening their collective voice and representation.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, said this during the launch of FORUM’s Ninth Biennial Delegates Conference (BDC) here today.
Gerawat, who serves as FORUM’s chief adviser, reflected on the early days before the formation of FORUM.
He noted that in the 1960s, the Orang Ulu National Association (OUNA) existed, but it was FORUM that successfully united all nine Orang Ulu ethnic groups under one umbrella.
“The fundamental objective of FORUM has always been to bring together the smaller Orang Ulu ethnic groups,” he said.
“Orang Ulu make up less than six per cent of Sarawak’s population, which is why unity and cooperation are essential.
“When we stand together, our collective voice becomes stronger.”
He stressed the importance of maintaining unity and supporting the association to ensure continued progress and representation for the community.
“The strength of our unity is reflected in our political leadership,” Gerawat pointed out.
“All six of our elected representatives in the State Legislative Assembly and our two Members of Parliament – Henry Sum and Anyi Ngau – are part of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“This demonstrates that the Orang Ulu leadership is being entrusted with greater responsibilities and a more significant role in governance,” he added.
Also present at the event were this year’s BDC organising chairman, Datuk Dennis Ngau, FORUM’s outgoing president, Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, and past president, Datuk Antonio Kahti Galis.
