KUCHING: The Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) was among those who congratulated Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on his appointment as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia.
“We wish him all the very best and success as he prepares to take up the responsibilities and challenges of his office,” said its secretary-general, Libat Langub on Thursday (Nov 24).
Libat requested that Anwar immediately attend to the urgent socioeconomic problems facing the country such as inflation, high cost of living, unemployment, and the downside effects of Covid-19.
He also noted that DCCI hoped Anwar would establish a close and stronger relationship with Sarawak as well as taking the development programmes in Sarawak as one of his top priorities.
“Anwar will understand our demands and agree to restore our rights and claims under MA63 and resolve amicably any outstanding issues thereunder.
“DCCI also hopes Anwar will allocate more funds to Sarawak in the Federal Budget 2023 to build infrastructure, especially roads, ensure clean water, electricity, telecommunication, and internet connectivity, and improve educational facilities.
“With regard to national economic and educational policies, DCCI proposes that the federal government review and monitor the implementation of the present affirmative policies in favour of the natives of Sarawak to ensure that the target groups are reached and their goals achieved in line with the Federal Constitution, the Malaysia Agreement and IGCC.
“In that connection, we request that the federal government allocate more seats or set up quotas of seats for the intake of Dayak students to study at the tertiary educational level and provide a bigger allocation of scholarship funds or other forms of financial assistance for Dayak students.”
Libat pointed out that as a business chamber representing most of the Dayak business community comprising of contractors, professionals, and small business entrepreneurs, DCCI would like to request a specific economic agenda or policy catering to issues affecting the Dayak business community.
“…and establish a dedicated special Unit for the Dayak community under the PM’s department to address the said agenda. This is long overdue as we are left economically far behind the other business communities.
“In this way, we believe the native business community can be assisted, enabling them to participate meaningfully in the country’s business and economic cake.”
