By Major (R) Moses Ripai
The recent public discourse surrounding the Dayak community, particularly the discussions circulating on social media regarding whether the Dayak people have been sufficiently recognised and prioritised in Sarawak’s development journey, deserves a mature, balanced and responsible response.
The strong emotions expressed by various quarters reflect one important reality: the Dayak community continues to care deeply about its identity, heritage, political representation and future in Sarawak.
However, as we reflect on these issues, we must move beyond emotional arguments and political narratives. The more important question is not merely whether the Dayak community has been sidelined, but whether every Dayak family today has meaningful access to opportunities that allow them to progress.
As a former President of Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), I believe it is my responsibility to offer a different perspective on how the Dayak agenda should be pursued in the current environment.
I respect the commitment of the present PBDS leadership in raising issues concerning the Dayak community. At the same time, I respectfully hold a different view on the strategic approach that should guide our movement forward.
A difference in strategy does not mean a difference in aspiration.
The common aspiration remains clear: to ensure that the Dayak community continues to advance economically, socially, educationally and politically while contributing towards a stronger and more prosperous Sarawak.
The question is not whether we should champion Dayak interests.
The question is how best to achieve meaningful results for our people.
From Political Representation Towards Development Transformation
The Dayak agenda must evolve beyond political discussion alone.
Political representation remains important, but representation must ultimately translate into improved quality of life.
The success of the Dayak agenda should be measured by practical outcomes:
-Whether a child in Kapit receives quality education.
-Whether a family in Baleh can access healthcare without excessive hardship.
-Whether an Orang Ulu youth in Bario, Ba’ Kelalan or Ulu Baram can participate in the digital economy.
-Whether rural entrepreneurs have opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.
-Whether young Dayaks can remain in their homeland because opportunities exist there.
The future of the Dayak community cannot be built only through political statements.
It must be built through development.
Recognising Progress While Addressing Remaining Gaps
A responsible discussion must acknowledge both achievements and challenges.
It would not be accurate to suggest that no development has taken place in rural Sarawak.
Over the years, substantial investments have been made through various development initiatives, including regional agencies such as the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), Highland Development Agency (HDA) and Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA), focusing on improving connectivity, infrastructure, utilities and socio-economic opportunities.
These investments have brought progress to many rural communities through roads, bridges, electricity supply, water infrastructure, telecommunications and public facilities.
Kapit Division provides a clear example of the complexity of rural development.
Kapit remains one of Sarawak’s largest interior divisions, covering vast geographical areas with many communities located along rivers and remote terrain. Official information indicates that Kapit has approximately 534 longhouses, with about 88 per cent of its population living in rural areas.
The reality of Kapit is different from urban centres.
Development in the interior requires overcoming long distances, challenging terrain, river systems and logistical constraints.
Nevertheless, progress has been achieved.
The sealed road network in Kapit has expanded significantly from approximately 55.2 kilometres in 2010 to more than 365 kilometres in recent years.
This represents meaningful improvement.
However, the remaining challenge is equally clear. Rural connectivity continues to require further strengthening so that development reaches communities that are still geographically distant from major service centres.
The lesson is simple:
-Progress must be acknowledged, but unfinished work must also be recognised.
-Merirai: Heritage, History and the Continuing Development Journey
-The story of rural Sarawak cannot be separated from places of historical significance such as Merirai in the Baleh area of Kapit Division.
Merirai is recognised as the birthplace of Tun Jugah anak Barieng, one of Sarawak’s most respected Iban leaders and an important figure in Sarawak’s political history and the formation of Malaysia.
The significance of Merirai goes beyond geography.
It represents the contribution of rural communities to the history and development of Sarawak.
From the interior of Sarawak have emerged leaders who helped shape the destiny of the State.
However, the continuing development challenges experienced by many upriver communities remind us that historical contribution must be matched by future opportunity.
For generations, communities in areas such as Baleh have depended heavily on river transportation and challenging access routes to reach healthcare facilities, schools, markets and government services.
The issue is not simply distance.
The issue is whether distance should continue to determine opportunity.
Connectivity projects, including road development in the Baleh region, are therefore not merely infrastructure programmes.
They are investments in human potential.
They ensure that children from interior communities have greater access to education, entrepreneurs can reach markets, and families can access essential services more efficiently.
The Reality of Julau, Ulu Mujok, Nanga Jagau and Ulu Lemanak
The same development reality can be seen in other rural Dayak communities, including areas in Julau such as Ulu Mujok, Nanga Jagau and Ulu Lemanak.
These communities represent the experience of many rural families who have historically depended on long-distance travel, river routes and challenging terrain.
Development has improved accessibility in many areas, but the larger challenge remains ensuring that rural communities are fully integrated into Sarawak’s economic growth.
A road is not merely a road.
It is a connection to education.
It is a connection to healthcare.
It is a connection to markets.
It is a connection to opportunity.
The objective of rural development must therefore be transformation, not merely connectivity.
The Orang Ulu and Border Communities
The same principle applies to Orang Ulu communities in Ulu Baram, Bario, Ba’ Kelalan and settlements near the Sarawak-Kalimantan border.
These communities possess valuable cultural heritage, environmental knowledge and strong social structures.
However, geographical challenges continue to affect access to education, healthcare, economic participation and modern services.
The challenge before Sarawak is to ensure that preserving heritage and improving quality of life move together.
Rural communities should not be viewed as distant communities.
They are important partners in Sarawak’s future.
A New Strategic Direction for the Dayak Agenda
Moving forward, the Dayak agenda should focus on five strategic priorities.
1. Complete Rural Connectivity
Every longhouse and settlement must continue to receive improved road access, reliable utilities and digital connectivity.
Connectivity is the foundation for equal opportunity.
2. Education as the Greatest Investment
The strongest pathway out of inequality is education.
More emphasis must be placed on rural school development, digital learning, technical education, scholarships and preparing young Dayaks for future industries.
3. Rural Economic Empowerment
Rural communities must become active participants in economic development.
Greater focus should be given to modern agriculture, agro-processing, tourism, entrepreneurship, technology-based businesses and sustainable development of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land.
4. Healthcare and Social Wellbeing
Distance should not determine healthcare quality.
Rural healthcare services, emergency access, mobile medical support and social development programmes must continue to be strengthened.
5. Developing Future Leaders
The Dayak community needs more leaders in every field — politics, business, engineering, medicine, education, public administration and entrepreneurship.
Leadership must be built on competence, integrity and service.
The Future Strategic Role of PBDS
PBDS must also reflect on its future role.
The strength of a political movement is not measured only by opposition or criticism.
It is measured by its ability to contribute solutions.
PBDS has historical roots and strong connections with grassroots communities. This provides an opportunity for the party to become a constructive voice that provides policy ideas, identifies development gaps and contributes practical solutions for rural transformation.
If the shared objective among all stakeholders is to build a stronger, more prosperous and inclusive Sarawak, then there must always be space for mature engagement based on mutual respect and common interest.
The question should not be whether organisations stand against one another.
The question should be:
How can every organisation contribute towards a better future for Sarawak?
Development should never belong to one political party.
Development belongs to the people.
A Greater Sarawak Vision
The Dayak community does not seek special treatment.
The Dayak community seeks fairness, opportunity and the ability to contribute fully to Sarawak’s future.
Our children deserve quality education.
Our rural families deserve better connectivity.
Our entrepreneurs deserve economic opportunities.
Our communities deserve access to modern services. Our young generation deserves a future where geography does not limit ambition. History will not judge us by how many arguments we won. History will judge us by whether we built a better future for the next generation. The Dayak agenda must therefore become more than a political slogan.
It must become a development mission. A mission built on unity, responsibility, partnership and a shared commitment towards a stronger and more prosperous Sarawak.
As a former President of Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), I also believe the party must undertake sincere reflection on its direction and public role in today's political landscape.
Since its revival in 2013, PBDS has never projected itself as a racial or divisive political party. The party's Constitution clearly sets out its legitimate purpose to represent and advance the interests of the Dayak community as a bona fide political movement within Malaysia's democratic framework. That constitutional responsibility remains as relevant today as it was when the party was first established.
However, recent developments and public debates have inevitably invited criticism and raised questions among the wider community about the party's strategic direction and effectiveness. Such perceptions should not be dismissed. Instead, they should serve as an opportunity for introspection, renewal and stronger engagement with the people.
I therefore urge the Dayak community to look beyond emotions and personalities, and to exercise thoughtful and informed judgment about the future role of PBDS. The party should not be known merely for voicing dissatisfaction or highlighting grievances. It must re-establish itself as a credible, respected and solutions-oriented movement that champions practical policies, constructive engagement and meaningful development for the Dayak community.
The true strength of PBDS has never been in the volume of its criticism, but in its ability to unite the people, influence public policy and contribute positively to Sarawak's progress. By returning to its founding ideals and embracing a development-driven agenda, PBDS can once again play a vital role in representing the aspirations of the Dayak people with dignity, responsibility and purpose.
History will ultimately remember those who built bridges rather than divisions, those who offered solutions rather than complaints, and those who placed the future of the people above all else. That is the legacy PBDS should strive to uphold for the generations to come.
Major (R) Moses Ripai, chairman N61 Pelagus Branch
