Dusit to Dayak leaders in the govt: Use your power wisely to help the community

Story and pictures by James Belayong,

Postgraduate university student

KUCHING, June 20, 2015 - Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA) president Dr Dusit Jaul explained he is critical of Dayak leaders in the government who are in a position of power but do little to help the Dayak community, in the fields of culture, education, job and business opportunities.

"If they have used their powers given to them wisely, then Dayak non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have no reasons to exist and mushroom," he said at the launch of the three-day Dayak Cultural Festival held at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association building at Kumpang Road, Off Ong Tiang Swee Road here today.

DNC president Megga Mikui (5th from right) and SDGA president Dr Dusit Jaul (2nd from left) at the launch of the DCF

He said Dayak NGOs, such as Dayak National Congress, SDGA and Sarawak Dayak Iban Association, have done a lot to create awareness among the community.

"We have created awareness in education, job and business opportunities as well as in the promotion of culture and traditions among members of the community," he said.

Dusit said he is disappointed when being critical is condemned as anti-establishment and anti-government by those in power.

"I am not anti-establishment. I am very much pro-government. I am critical because there are so much things that can be done to help the Dayak community in education, recruitment and promotion in the civil service, job and business opportunities, but the Dayak leaders in the government are not doing much," he said.

On the DCF, Dusit said:"If we don't organise this kind of event, who will have the opportunity to savour Dayak delicacies and witness the richness of our culture and traditions?

Visitors at a booth selling books by Dayak authors

"Similarly, among us who are involved in these endeavour, when will our people have the opportunity to display and market their products and produce, if not through this kind of promotion?" he asked.

 He said this is the reason why SDGA is collaborating with DNC and in conjunction with Gawai Dayak celebration mooted the idea to organise the cultural festival.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people have turned up at the DBNA building where booths are selling Dayak products and food are on sale, this morning.

From wood carving to tattooing, to exotic food to a very fine hand-crafted products - all these have always been synonymous and are associated with the Dayaks.

Among the crowd favourites are Dayak handicraft works as well as books on Dayak community.

A free blowpipe shooting demonstration is also held.

 Dayak authors (from left) Joseph Tawie, Jimmy Donald and Bunyau Buda with Dr Dusit (right).