Orang Ulu federation to receive RM35 mil allocation
MIRI: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has announced a RM35 million allocation to Federation of Orang Ulu Associations of Sarawak, Malaysia (Forum) for the construction of an Orang Ulu Cultural Centre, and paid-up capital for Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OUCCI) here.
He made the announcement when officiating at the closing ceremony of the 7th Orang Ulu Cultural Symposium at the civic centre here.
"A piece of land has been given... and it cannot be an empty land. If I can give RM1.5 billion to Highland Development Agency (HDA), and you only ask for RM25 million for building the centre, no problem," he said to a thunderous applause from the crowd.
He also gave a time frame of two years for Forum to start planning and completing the buildings, as they will become symbols of Orang Ulu unity, and also a stepping stone for them to move forward.
"I have also endorsed for the Orang Ulus to have its own OUCCI (chamber), and for that I am giving RM10 million as paid-up capital," Abg Johari said.
OUCCI is one of resolutions approved during the symposium to enable Orang Ulu entrepreneurs to have meaningful and active participation in business and trade.
He added that they could use Forum as a platform to enhance their standard of living in the context of ecosystem.
He said he has specifically formed three agencies, namely, Highland Development Agency (HDA), Ulu Rajang Development Agency (URDA) and Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) to create an ecosystem for the Orang Ulus.
"Once you have the ecosystem, we will improve the infrastructure. The rest will be up to the creativity of the people themselves. I cannot interfere," he said.
On the symposium, Abg Johari said it's crucial that the Sarawak government listens to resolutions presented by all races to be incorporated in the next policy.
He also stressed that the government practises inclusiveness, therefore its policies must also include all races.
Meanwhile, Forum president Antonio Kahti Galis, in his welcoming speech, said a total of 18 resolutions had been approved during the symposium, which was attended by about 500 participants.
Among the resolutions were infrastructure and utilities in order to leverage on digital technologies, and urging the Sarawak government to expedite the development of the main spine roads within URDA, HDA and NRDA.
"We also call for uninterrupted treated water and sustainable electricity supplies to connect all Orang Ulu settlements in Belaga, Baram, Limbang and Lawas," he said.