Uggah: PCDS 2030 ensures no Dayak left behind in Sarawak's devt
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
KUCHING (May 30): Sarawak's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 is a policy of inclusivity that guarantees no individual, including members of the Dayak community, will be left behind in the state's pursuit of progress, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He said the Sarawak government has committed substantial funding for rural development in line with this vision.
'Under Budget 2024, RM5,695 billion was allocated – and this has increased to RM6.8 billion in Budget 2025. These figures reflect our unwavering commitment to uplifting rural communities across
Sarawak,' he said in his Gawai Dayak message today.
Uggah noted that Sarawak is beginning to reap the benefits of its major bridge infrastructure projects.
He said five bridge project had already been completed, including the Batang Saribas 1 Bridge in Pusa, Betong; the iconic Bintulu Jepak, Muara Lassa, Marudi and Batang Rajang bridges.
He added that six more bridges, including the nation's longest river bridge, Batang Lupar 1 are expected to be completed by the end of this year.
As such, the Bukit Saban assemblyman said it is only fitting that the Dayak community expresses its deepest gratitude to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his inclusivity and pro rural development policy.
'Our state has made impressive strides in development, thanks to two key factors: our stability and racial harmony despite being home to 34 different ethnic groups and the visionary leadership of our Premier.'
Uggah pointed out that Gawai is a meaningful occasion for Sarawakians to express heartfelt gratitude for the blessings they have received over the past year.
He said it is also a time to pray for continued guidance, good health and prosperity in the years ahead.
'As we welcome this festive season, I am deeply moved by the richness of the Dayak cultural and traditional heritage. Having attended numerous pre-Gawai gatherings and dinners, I am truly inspired by the vibrant cultural performances and traditional cuisine on display.
'These traditions are sacred and central to our identity, and we must continue to uphold and preserve them with pride, commitment and passion,' he said.
He added that Gawai season should also serves a 'bridge' to strengthen the bond of friendship, unity and harmony among all Sarawakians.
He reminded those travelling home by road, river, or air to take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe journey.
'Let us celebrate our diversity under the spirit of 'Segulai Sejalai' – Together in Unity. Me and my family wish to extend our greetings of 'Selamat Nyambut Hari Gawai Dayak 2025' to the Dayak community in Sarawak,' he said. Dayak community development douglas uggah embas Gawai Dayak pcds 2030
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Edric, seen here with MacGraw at the Sante Fe Folk Arts Festival in New Mexico in 2019. Recently in Paris for the 'Revelations Biennale Paris 2025', he had met with and spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron. When asked about his 'personal best and proudest project', Edric did not hesitate to reply that it was the Sarawak Cultural Village at Damai in Santubong. 'Designing the masterplan, main buildings and individual ethnic community houses that involved travelling to the interior parts of Sarawak to research Iban, Orang Ulu longhouses, Bidayuh round-house and reviving the Melanau 'Rumah Tinggi'. 'I am proud of the Damai Hilltop suites as well, as it was a contemporary adaptation of Sarawak architecture, the round 'Baruk' suites, the Malay suites and the longhouse 'biliks'.' On those who had inspired and mentored him through the years, he continued: 'There are many, including the late Datuk Lucas Chin, the late YM Raja Fuziah Raja Tun Uda, the late Dr Clare Brett Smith (Aid to Artisans USA), Imai Toshihiro of Japan and Jasleen Dhamija of India. 'The person I owed most to was my father, Ong Kee Bian, a good and faithful servant of the Lord, loving husband and father. 'He had nurtured my interest in flora and fauna, encouraged my endeavours into art like woodblock print, clay sculpture, embroidery and ikebana. 'He took me into the interiors of Sarawak—into the Iban and Orang Ulu longhouses and others.' During his leisure down-time, Edric can be seen around town, in other fellow artists' homes and studios, or wandering the less-trodden paths upcountry or into more remote areas, in search for the expert artisan or craftsman who could well be the last surviving person who is still practising his 'dying' art. He would also be promoting lesser known artisans' works, or helping to guide them seek new avenues where they can either sell their handcrafted products, or help them with more pro-active and creative ideas. His hobbies? He reads, listens to music, and watches a movie or two for relaxation. His other interests in the culinary arts as well as in music have also seen his versatility resulting in the formation of the Culinary Heritage and Arts Society Sarawak, formed in 2019; and the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) in 1997. The latter, now into its 27th year, was co-founded by Canadians, Randy Raine-Reusch and Robert Basuik, as well as Edric's brother, yours truly. My final question to Edric: 'What made you decide to spend your life to promote Sarawak's arts and crafts?' His reply: 'As a fifth-generation 'Peranakan Chinese' in Sarawak, the love and appreciation for our Sarawak arts and crafts are so much entrenched in our Ong family. 'Sarawak arts, in all aspects, are the most diverse and richest of heritages among all in Malaysia!' Edric's creativity, talent and versatility have cast a giant shadow over the arts and crafts scene in Sarawak since 1983. His persona and international status has been made and he is now well-known in the corridors and annals of Unesco, as well as in countless other international bodies where the mission and vision are to promote the world's ethnic arts, crafts, music and architectural heritage. His name, in the promotion of Sarawak in those specific fields, has been permanently etched and is well entrenched for future generations to come. * The opinions expressed in this article are the columnist's own and do not reflect the view of the newspaper.
