SIBU: Now that the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Sibu has its own premises here it is a dream come true for the local Dayak community.
SDNU Sibu chairman Chambai Lindong, said that the dream has been achieved when the union made a purchase of a three-storey corner building located at Taman Bougenvilla commercial centre here.
“By using the money we collected through charity fundraising programmes and other sources we purchased the premises in cash and no debt involved.
“The fundraising events for that purpose were first launched in 2000-2002 term when I first became a member of SDNU Sibu exco.
“And the result is seen today (Saturday). A historic day for the Dayak people in Sibu when we have our own premises or building.
“Our dreams and wishes have been achieved,” he said at the opening of SDNU Sibu House at Taman Bougenvilla, Jalan Ulu Oya here yesterday.
Officiating at the opening ceremony was Industries and Investment Assistant Minister Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, who represented Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing.
Chambai said that when the fundraising event was first launched, SDNU Sibu only had RM13,000 which was the funds collected by previous SDNU leaders.
He said after that, they started looking for funds through various programmes and applying for grants from the government.
“In November last year, once we had enough money we agreed to buy this store lot, it is ours completely because we bought it in cash,” he explained.
Hence, he reminded SDNU Sibu members to take care of the premises as much as possible for mutual benefits.
Chambai therefore informed that SDNU Sibu has the biggest membership in Sarawak.
“At the SDNU branch level in the state, SDNU Sibu has the largest membership, with 4,000 people so far,” he added.
Mussen hoped SDNU would continue to play its role more meaningfully for Dayaks so that it would remain relevant.
He announced a grant of RM10,000 to SDNU Sibu from himself while another RM10,000 was from Masing.
Kapit Member of Parliament Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi and Tamin Assemblyman Ir Christopher Gira gave a grant of RM5,000 each to the union’s Sibu branch.
