Dayak community reminded to preserve identity
SIBU: The Dayak community must conserve their language, culture and tradition in order to maintain their identity, says Assistant Minister of Transportation Datuk Dr Jerip Susil.
He said the disappearance of any one of the three would lead to loss of their identity as Dayak.
“Do not be ashamed to speak in our mother tongue. Do not discard our tradition because that is the symbol of our identity,” he said when officiating at a gathering organised by Academy of Sarawak Dayak Iban (Asadia) in Siburan near Kuching on Dec 1.
The gathering was to celebrate the completion of an Iban dance class organised by Asadia. Altogether 22 persons from Batu Gong in Siburan attended the class.
Earlier, Dr Jerip commended Asadia for organising Dayak arts and culture classes.
Asadia head Mabong Unggang, who also spoke, said the objective of the various classes was to groom more people to become leaders in future classes.
“This will lessen the manpower and financial burden on Asadia.
“We try to leverage on the availability of manpower and facilities in the community that
Do not be ashamed to speak in our mother tongue. Do not discard our tradition because that is the symbol of our identity.
we engage with,” he said.
At the function, Dr Jerip announced a RM20,000 grant for Asadia’s activities.
Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) president Sidi Munan was also present at the event.
Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Assistant Minister of Transportation