PBDS: The Dayaks must not merely be seen as supporters of govt policies, but must also be as equal partners

KUCHING, March 22 2026: Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) has taken note on a recent statement by Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas calling on all Sarawakians to stand firmly behind the state leadership in defending Sarawak’s rights as a founding partner of Malaysia.

PBDS secretary general Sanjan Daik: We firmly believe that defending Sarawak’s rights must go hand in hand with defending the rightful place of the Dayaks within Sarawak.

Its secretary-general Sanjan Daik stressed that PBDS has consistently supported the protection and advancement of Sarawak’s rights under the spirit and framework of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“On this principle, there is no dispute,” he said in a statement today.

“However, PBDS wishes to emphasise that true unity must be grounded in fairness, equality, and genuine power-sharing among all communities in Sarawak,” he added.

He pointed out that the Dayaks, as a major indigenous community of Sarawak must not merely be seen as supporters of policy but must be equal partners in leadership, decision-making, and economic participation.

He also pointed out PBDS's key concerns is that substantive representation of Dayaks in government must go beyond positions and titles, saying that it must translate into real influence over policies affecting land, economy, and rural development.

He said the protection, recognition and development of native customary rights (NCR) land remain a fundamental issue, stressing that unity must deliver tangible outcomes for rural Dayak communities, not just political alignment.

He said Dayak participation in key economic sectors must be strengthened to ensure fair access to opportunities, resources and development benefits.

“A strong Sarawak requires internal balance where no single group dominates at the expense of others. Stability must be built on inclusivity and mutual respect,” Sanjan said.

He also said PBDS supports any effort to defend Sarawak’s rights, pointing out that “we firmly believe that defending Sarawak’s rights must go hand in hand with defending the rightful place of the Dayaks within Sarawak.

“Unity must not mean silence and loyalty must not mean unquestioning acceptance,” he asserted.

He said PBDS calls for renewed commitment to inclusive leadership, clear policies ensuring equitable development for Dayak communities and strengthening of Dayak political unity and voice.

“Only through genuine partnership and balanced governance can Sarawak move forward as a truly united and prosperous state,” he said.