KUCHING: There is now an air of expectation that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem will start the ball rolling to prove his promise to help transform the Dayaks into a progressive and dynamic community in Sarawak, said PRS Bintulu Division secretary John Akim Abang.
“As the chief minister, this is his opportunity to make real changes and it’s high time indeed that he puts into use his authority, as Sarawakians are anxious and looking forward to the words turning into action and reality,” Akim said here yesterday.
He added that with less than two years into office, Adenan had proven through his relentless efforts that he meant business in key areas like fighting against corruption especially in the timber industry.
Akim said the demand for the 20 per cent share in the oil royalty showed his determination to make a difference and real changes although it was yet to be fulfilled.
“His boldness in claiming for autonomy shows he holds no bar in demanding for what is rightfully due to the state according to the 1963 Malaysia Agreement in tandem with the aspiration of the people of Sarawak whom he’s hoping to lead for another term,” he said.
Akim further pointed out that the Dayaks in particular would be grateful if Adenan could make this happen during his tenure as the chief minister.
“The days the Dayaks feel marginalised should be gone and now they should be raised up in status to keep pace with other progressing communities. Besides, they are the Barisan Nasional’s loyalists,” he asserted.
He opined that the chief minister should be praised for his pledge to embark on a ‘catch-up’ plan to fast track the state’s development.
“If the chief minister could work out a specific and strategic ‘catch-up’ plan as the important elements to improve the well-being of the Dayaks as well, that would do justice and in fact it’s our plea to the chief minister,” said Akim.
Akim said the ‘catch-up’ plan should include increasing the number of Dayaks employed in the civil service to reflect the racial composition in the state, and in the higher management both in the civil service and government-linked companies (GLCs) through fair promotion.
“In addition the Dayaks should be given more opportunities to further their studies into local universities and be given fair access to government scholarships.
“More opportunities and fair treatment should be given to boost their participation in business and government contracts in particular, as well as to push the income of the rural Dayaks to alleviate the impact of GST and the rising cost of living. There should be catch-up plans in these pressing issues.
“While hopes and anticipations are high and while the sceptics are doubtful, the Dayaks at large are looking forward and can’t wait to see the real transformation that has been much anticipated while reciprocating in kind especially in the upcoming state election,” added Amin.-Borneo Post
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