KUCHING: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government is committed to help all communities including the Bidayuhs, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said this when handing over an initial RM6.75 million grant for the construction of Dayak Bidayuh National Association’s (DBNA) RM16 million community hostel.
He said the complex was a symbol of the community’s success in all fields including education, social and economic transformation carried out by Bidayuh leaders.
“People can come here to attend seminars and update their knowledge, and they can stay in the hostel.
“All the facilities are within one complex – this shows the solidarity of the Bidayuh community,” he said at the presentation ceremony held at DBNA headquarters here today.
The chief minister likened the Bidayuhs, who made up a small portion of the population, to cili padi, which is small but very spicy.
“That is the character of the Bidayuhs – very effective though the community is small,” said Abang Johari.
He pointed out that Bidayuhs had held various distinguished roles such as State Secretary, Deputy State Secretary, and corporate leaders including in Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros).
He added that Bidayuhs had the talent and merit to be placed in these important roles.
“This has been the success of the Bidayuh community which all communities must emulate,” he urged.
Also present were Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong, Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to East Asia Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem and Deputy State Secretary Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik who is also president of DBNA.
