KUCHING: The Dayak community is ever ready, able and committed to engage in the cultural and economic development of Sarawak fully and actively.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this is towards achieving the state’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 objective to be a developed and high-income region by the year 2030.
“Over the years, the Dayak community’s political ideology and views on development had undergone changes. During this process of change, we may have had our disputes, difference in opinion and conflict.
“However, today I am proud to say that we have grown united, moderate, and pro-development. I hope our future generations will take note and learn from the example we set for them today.
“I also hope they will learn that they cannot achieve progress and resilience through constant arguments and picking on our differences. The way forward towards a better future is through cooperation, common action and commitment,” he said.
He made these remarks during the official opening of Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) and Dayak Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) headquarters at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee on Saturday (Aug 19).
Uggah thanked Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for fairness to all religions and races with his policy of inclusivity which is one of the pillars in the PCDS 2030.
“The Dayak community appreciates the Premier’s policy of inclusivity and fairness thus in the last state election, we have given our full and strong support. We will continue to support the Premier’s visionary leadership for the betterment of Sarawak and its people,” he said.
Uggah, who is also the DCF chairman said the new headquarters will serve and mark as a reminder that the Dayak community through common aspiration and action can yield valuable results.
He said the new headquarters will be a source of pride and honour for the Dayak community as they represent a beacon of progress, development and unity.
“With the completed buildings, DCF will have ample space with state-of-the-art facilities for its staff, dancers and cultural performers. The Performing Arts Hall with a 6,000 square feet area, is spacious enough to be used by Dayak performing artists such as the well-known DCF Cultural Troupe who had performed in state, federal and overseas functions.
“There will be generous gallery space in the DCF building to exhibit Bidayuh, Iban and Orang Ulu traditional costumes and artifacts. The DCF building will also have a seminar hall which can accommodate 450 participants where courses, seminars and training can be conducted such as seminars for community leaders,” he said.
Uggah added that the facilities will allow DCF to better serve the Dayak community in carrying out its functions and objectives.
