Don't be rivals with each other, Dayak assocs in Kapit told

Borneo Post

19-05-2025

Ugak (fifth left) beats the gong to officiate the celebration, witnessed by Nanta (centre).
KAPIT (May 19): Dayak associations and organisations in Kapit should not compete but cooperate instead with each other when organising events for their community, said Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He said that if any of the organisations were organising the annual Gawai Dayak celebration, the others should give their full support to ensure a successful event.
'In Kapit, we have DUBS (Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak), SDNU (Sarawak Dayak National Union), SIDS (Sarakup Induk Dayak Sarawak), OUNA (Orang Ulu National Association) and so on.
'I am giving this advice (to cooperate) because lately, I have been told there is a bit of rivalry due to jealousy among them in organising Gawai Dayak Dinner, with some not showing a keen interest to cooperate with the organiser.
'My advice is not to have this negative attitude because it is hurting you (associations) more and creating disunity. We want the Dayak community to progress—but if we don't unite, how can we progress?' he said during the 'Pengerami Mata Gawai Dayak Kapit 2025' celebration held at the Kapit Civic Centre on Saturday.
Nanta (fourth right) leads the toast for the celebration.
Nanta was the patron of the event, which was organised by DUBS Kapit branch and attended by some 800 participants.
On this year's Gawai celebration theme 'AI Digital Technology Uplifts Economic Prosperity', he said it was apt as the Dayak community was already aware of and embracing modern technology.
'We are seeing digital technology as part of the vision and promotion of traditional costumes and (Dayak) practices, so it shows we are aware of the need to step forward with the times during this modern era of AI technology.'
On a separate matte, Nanta informed that the Upper Rajang Development Agency (Urda) on May 14 had organised the Lab Malaysian Plan 13 in Kuching.
He said a total of 223 projects, programmes and proposals with an expected cost of over RM20 billion were identified during the Urda Sub-Committee Meeting that was held in conjunction with the lab.
'The lab brought together various stakeholders to discuss in more detail the proposed development projects in the Urda area, which covers Song, Kapit, Bukit Goram and Belaga District and to refine the scope and cost of the shortlisted projects so they are in line with the real needs of the rural folk.'
Also present was Digital Deputy Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, a political secretary to the Premier Watson Awan Jalai, who was the event's organising chairman, and Kapit Resident Elvis Didit. alexander nanta linggi Dayak associations event organisers lead rivalry