KUCHING: The Dayak community must continue to unite in efforts to achieve unity and help Sarawak attain the status of a developed state by 2030, said Minister of Modernisation, Agriculture and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
At the same time, he stressed the importance of Dayak women empowering themselves in areas such as economics, education, and agriculture.
“While our community has various associations such as Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS), Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), and Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA), among others, the important thing is that we must remain united in order to progress and be on par with other communities,” he said at the SIDS Fellowship dinner held at Imperial Hotel, here today (April 29).
Rundi also reminded the Dayak community to maintain a good image as it reflected their identity.
“Whatever you do will have an impact on our community. Therefore, we must respect and learn from those who have experience and exchange views so that we can match or even surpass other communities,” he added.
He urged the community to be more creative and innovative and not be complacent, to learn from mistakes and ensure a better future for the community.
“With this effort, we can help Sarawak become a developed state by 2030,” he concluded.
The SIDS Annual General Meeting was attended by members from all over the state, and a total of RM115,000 was donated for the development of Dayak children’s education in remote areas.
A book on the history of SIDS was also launched at the event.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Pakan assemblyman Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, SIDS advisor Tan Sri Empiang Jabu, and SIDS president Datuk Ir. Alice Jawan Empaling.
