Sarawak4Sarawakians movement to hold parade to mark Sarawak's Independence Day on July 22

Story by James Belayong,

student activist

KUCHING, June 27, 2015 - Sarawak4Sarawakians civil movement will hold a parade on July 22 to mark Sarawak's Independence Day, its leader Peter John Jaban told reporters today.

He said it is on this day in 1963 that Sarawak gained its Independence from Britain.

"Sarawak is one of the founding partners of the Federation of Malaysia. Therefore, July 22 is an historical day and significant moment for Sarawak and its subjects," he said, adding that Sarawak was an Independence Nation before it joined Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah) and Singapore to form the Federation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963.

Peter John Jaban (right) with parade coordinator William Bong at the press conference

Human rights group wants Parliamentary Select Committee to solve problems of land rights of indigenous people

KOTA KINABALU, June 22, 2015: In a parliamentary briefing to 20 of parliament (MPs) at the Opposition Party Office (DAP) last week on 17 June 2015, the Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS) called for the establishment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) as part of the recommendations following the findings of the Task Force on the SUHAKAM National Land Inquiry (NI) on the Land Rights of the Indigenous Peoples of Malaysia.

JOAS delegates consisting of Orang Asal from Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia,

presented updates from the findings of the SUHAKAM NI report as well as on the issues

surrounding the development of mega dams.

DNC and SIPAK ink MoU to strength and establish cooperation

 By James Belayong

KUCHING, June 22, 2015 - Dayak National Congress (DNC) and Sarakup Iban Pabatasan Kapuas Hulu (SIPAK) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) DNC which will formally strength and establish cooperation between the two Iban-based non-governmental organisations.

Sotomo (left) and Mengga signing the MoU. Seen at right is DNC deputy president Datuk John Tenewi Nuek

PBDS Baru may contest a few seats in coming state polls, says its chief

KUCHING, June 22 - President of Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS Baru) Louis Jarrau said today that the party's supreme council meeting will meet next month to make a stand on the state election.

"We will decide whether we should be contesting and if we do, how many seats we are going to contest," he said.

"If we decide to contest, then we will be putting up candidates in a few seats," he said in a statement.
"We contest those seats where we feel we are comfortable with," he said.

He said he may stand in Dudong where the Dayaks form about 45 per cent of the voters while his deputy, Patrick Uren may contest in Tasik Biru or Opar.

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.