Orang Ulu eye education to survive globilisation
KUCHING: The Orang Ulu community will continue to focus on education to ensure its new generation is equipped to survive in a globalised world.
This wi l l enable them to survive in an environment where competition will be stiff and opportunities not so easily available, said Mulu assemblyman Dato Gerawat Gala at the Orang Ulu National Association (Ouna) appreciation dinner and 20th anniversary celebration at Harbourview Hotel on Sunday night.
In a speech read by his representative Samuel Belawan, Gerawat said Ouna has a long history as the first association for Orang Ulu (OU) in the late 60’s.
“However, over time various ethnic associations have been formed to cater for specific needs of the ethnic groups concerned,” he said, l i st ing nine such associations.
He said the Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Sarawak Malaysia ( Forum) was formed to bring all these ethnic associations under one umbrella.
“Forum was not formed to compete with Ouna as Forum’s membership comprises nine associations whereas Ouna’s membership is individual and personal.”
Forum’s constitution allows only one ethnic association from each ethnic group to be a member, he added.
“Although Ouna is not yet a member of Forum, both organisations aim to promote the welfare and unity of the OU community,” he said, pointing out that both must work together.
Gerawat also announced a Minor Rural Project ( MRP) allocation of RM10,000 for Ouna to assist in its activities and programmes.
Present was Ouna president Dato Abu Bakar Abdullah who was honoured that night for heading the association for 20 years.