Bidayuh urged to use DBNA as platform for unity, solidarity

KUCHING: The Bidayuh have been urged to use Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) as a platform for the community’s unity and solidarity.

Infrastructure Development and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin, who is also DBNA advisor, said DBNA was a non-political organisation whose activities were for the benefit of the community that numbered slightly over 200,000 in the state.

“As such we must forget about our political differences because if we divide ourselves the Bidayuh community will never be able to be strong. We are only a small community so we need to be united,” he told the World Bidayuh Golf Championship organising committee members during the handing over of his challenge trophy for the tournament, Monday.

He said he was happy to note that the Bidayuh had been able to put aside their political differences and work together in DBNA for the interest of the community.

He noted that the community was politically divided, with its seven elected representatives (two Members of Parliament and five state assemblymen) in different Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties as well as in the Opposition.

Meanwhile, DBNA president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik said the association had several projects in the pipeline, including the proposed construction of a 60-room budget hotel at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee here. — Bernama