Don't just talk on inclusiveness, says Dusit

By Simon Peter

KUCHING, July 26, 2014: An informally formed Dayak Informal Group (DIG) has called on the state government to be more serious with the issue of inclusiveness, and that no community be left out in the state development.

"There is a place for every Sarawakian in Sarawak if inclusiveness is not just a matter that the state leaders just preach, but more importantly, actually implement. 

"The Dayaks, especially as a community,  very much would like to contribute more meaningfully towards the state development," DIG spokesman Dusit Jaul said in a statement today, which was issued after DIG had its meeting here last night.

Dusit said: "However, in the present situation, how can we play a more important role when we are on the fringe.  What explanation can be given for a fact that Dayaks have never been considered for top management position in some key State agencies like Forests Department and Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA)?"

He said the younger generation Dayaks are questioning this exclusiveness which they interpret as a blatant move to marginalise the Dayak.  We need not be reminded that a policy of exclusiveness creates inequality.

Dusit said DIG called on Chief Minister Adenan Satem to do the right thing to cool down the situation - a situation of unease prevalent among the Dayaks. 

"We are extending our hand to the government to help cool down the heat generated by past unfair and divisive policies. 

"The Chief Minister can be assured that we are committed to helping the State develop, except that in the past, we were not allowed to do so due to exclusive policy of the State government. 

"The rightful way is for him to do away with exclusiveness and truly implement a policy that ensures Sarawak is for all Sarawakians. 

"When justice prevails, when no one is marginalized, all Sarawakians can live harmoniously and be assured of a better future against a backdrop of a global world currently wrecked by wars and conflicts," he stressed.

Dusit also called on the state government take steps to ensure that local Sarawakians are given priority when it comes to business opportunities and job placements in the state.

" It is an undeniable fact that currently, Sarawakians are denied of these opportunities, especially when it comes to big businesses and appointment to senior positions in offices of federal agencies in the state. 

"Certainly, we do not believe that there are no unqualified and capable Sarawakians who can take on the big job in the various business opportunities available in the state. 

"Similarly, we do not believe that Sarawakians are not capable to manage federal agencies in Sarawak. 

"In fact, given the opportunity Sarawakians should be able to perform better job as they are locals operating in local environment. 

"The problem, probably in the past is that Sarawakians have been overlooked in favour of their counterparts from Malaya," Dusit said, adding that  Sarawakians have awaken to this reality as they celebrate their Independence Day on July 22. 

"Thus, this situation calls upon the State government to act immediately before it creates further resentment," he stressed.