MIRI: The Iban community has been told to always remain united and to set their political differences aside.
“I know some of you may not be happy with what I said…I apologise for being blunt but I have to say this for the sake of the Iban community,” Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil said at the ‘Mantar Gawai Dayak 2023’ dinner here on Monday (May 1).
“It’s crucial for the Iban community to be united to ensure smooth distribution of state funding.
“When we quarrel and are divided, it will be difficult for the people’s elected representatives to distribute funds to help the community. Don’t express your dissatisfaction on social media, use the proper channel,” said the Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government I (Public Health and Housing).
Penguang was delighted that a total of 15 Iban associations statewide converged on Miri for the event.
He pledged a grant of RM15,000 to Dayak Association Miri (DAM) and another RM15,000 to Persatuan Seni Kuntau Pukulan 7 Miri.
Meanwhile, a total of RM55,000 was pledged by four others – Sarawak Minister for Transport, Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin (RM20,000); Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I, Datuk Sebastian Ting (RM15,000); Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii (RM15,000) and Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau (RM5,000).
More than 500 people attended the dinner.
