PBDSB supports call to set political, organisational affiliations aside at rally
KUCHING: Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDSB) yesterday said it supports Sarawak Dayak Iban Association’s (Sadia) call to Dayaks joining the peaceful NCR Land rally here today without identifying themselves members of NGOs or political parties.
PBDSB president Cobbold John said once they carry logos or emblems of their organisations, they might promote their parties or NGOs veer from the purpose of the holding the rally.
“This is a purely community rally event held for the Dayaks and other native indigenous communities throughout Sarawak.
PBDSB can relate to the cause the rally is fighting for because it is what PBDSB is fighting for, which is the Dayak native indigenous communities’ rights as Sarawakians and also as the citizens of Malaysia,” he added.
He said PBDSB wants all Dayakbased associations and other political parties especially those based in Peninsular Malaysia to respect the organiser’s mission and objective of the gathering.
“We hope after the 12 native indigenous chiefs and headmen had successfully submitted the memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, the grievances and outcry of Dayak communities shall finally be heard and taken seriously after the continuous losses of significant native ancestral land in the Federal Court.”
Uggah is the chairman of the special committee set up to address NCR land issues.
“Dayaks have been citizens of Malaysia for the past 54 years and have high hopes that the NCR issues could finally have a turning point soon, as they have given more than enough ample time to the state government,” said Cobbold.
He believes a huge crowd is expected at either the Kuching Waterfront Old Courthouse or at the new courthouse in Petra Jaya from 9am onwards.
At 2pm, the rally will end with the delivery of a final memorandum to the DUN by 12 paramount Chiefs.
“All we want is for everyone who attends to make sure they are here in support of the issue of the day that is land issue. We might face a hard time stopping those trying to promote their own agenda or their own organization at the rally but we hope that they will remain focused on what is important rather than on politics or personal gain.
This day is about the future of Sarawak as a whole, the very land that we all live on and love. This is an issue that should be at the heart of all Sarawakians,” said Peter who worked in the Lands and Survey Department for 20 years.
“My experience inspired me to leave my comfort zone and begin my calling as an activist. I have seen first-hand how the procedures and policies have shifted over the last thirty years away from supporting community landowners towards promoting the needs of a very small minority in the state.”