Latest news with #Dayaks
Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Festival serving as a unifying factor
The Gawai Dayak parade is now a feature of this celebration in Sarawak. I HAVE often been asked by a number of young people in the Iban community about the origin of the Gawai Dayak. Most of the time, I oblige them – relating as best I can by repeating what I have heard from verbal or read from written sources, or from my own memory. It is quite possible that there is more than one version. Today's column is based partly on information obtained during conversation, some 30 years ago, with the late Dato Sri Tra Zehnder, the first Iban woman to be appointed as a state legislator. Another source was Michael Buma, once a teacher at the Anglican Mission School in Quop. Tra expressed her inner thoughts to me thus: 'Maya Hari Raya kitai ngabang ngagai kaban kitai Melayu; maya Taun Baru China kitai ngabang ngagai kaban kitai China. Tang sida tu enda ngabang ngagai kitai, laban kitai Dayak nadai Ari Besai (We visit our Malay friends during the Hari Raya, and our Chinese friends during their New Year, but they do not visit us because we, the Dayaks, have no special day to celebrate during which the Malays and the Chinese can visit us in return).' Tra was referring to the situation in the context of the Dayaks who were residing and working in Kuching. Daughter of Sarawak Constabulary Sub-Insp Inting Jemat, she had been brought up in a cross- cultural setting in Kuching for most of her life that her world view was broad and pragmatic. In fact, for some time during the colonial period (1958-1960), the Dayak (settlers and/or residents of Kuching, mostly government servants and Christians), had been toying with the idea of another festivity that would be more traditional or cultural than religious and pious. This group, consisting of teachers and those whom we would call social activists, were more articulate and vocal in their views. Among them were Michael Buma, Ah Guan, Barbara Bay Mendu, Robert Jitam, Edward Jerah and Austin Jaga. Although Tra belonged to the community dominated by the police personnel and families, she managed to reach out to and maintain a good rapport with the ordinary members of the Dayak community in Kuching. She established a close contact with people like Malacca- trained nurse Barbara Bay (Mendu Bayang), Mrs Ang, Madam Tuyah and her daughter Susie Kitto. They formed the Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS), the women's wing of the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), for the purpose of providing educational advice to Dayak women in Kuching. She also established a good relationship with Michael Buma and the political activists. However, these 'radicals' had a vision of their own as to how Dayaks of various groups could coalesce and constitute a force in society in Sarawak. Michael Buma, leading the group, moved one step further by proposing that the government of Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan (1963) should declare a day in each year as 'The Dayak Day'. While Tra endorsed Michael Buma's proposal, she had a problem with other members of the Council Negri who thought that she was being too political. Michael Buma, watching on the sidelines, made a bold move in defiance of the attitude of those legislators. He organised a tea party at his house in Siol Kandis, Kuching, and invited people of the same mind, 'Segulai Sejalai'. They were launching the celebration called the 'Dayak Day'. Yes, that day – June 1, 1964! I was not there. I was told by Daniel Ragam, who was present, that the atmosphere was politically electrified. Apparently, the Police Special Branch had sent a couple of boys to Michael Buma's house 'just for a drink' and, obviously, to keep an official eye on things. The significance of this Special Branch intrusion intrigued me as I was listening to Tra. Peter Ratcliffe, the director of Radio Sarawak, hinted to me that the government was going to declare June 1 as a public holiday to dilute the influence of the Dayak activists, using the radio to promote the concept of celebrating a successful harvest instead of something radical. The choice of the name 'Gawai Dayak' was deliberate, a strategy to pre-empt the influence of the activists. Kalong's government, fearing that the Dayak sentiment would develop into a political issue, used Radio Sarawak to promote the 'Harvest Festival' as the Gawai Dayak. That was it! The programme producers at Radio Sarawak even took the initiative to introduce a format for the celebration. For instance, on May 31, the eve of Gawai Dayak, each Dayak family should celebrate the occasion with a dinner at home – similar to the customary dinner among the Chinese on the eve of their New Year. A new festival was thus created for the Dayak community because the 'townies' wanted to have their own version of festival. The Christians among the townies were not in favour of anything pagan like, for instance, a 'miring' (traditional ritual to seek blessings). In the 1980s, the Gawai Dayak was organised as a state function. As a political device, it suits the politicians in power. They take advantage of the big gathering during which to be seen together with the 'common people' – 'Segulai Sejalai', you see! The 'Ngiling Tikai / Ngiling Bidai' (symbolic rolling-up of the mat, to mark the end of festivities) was not part of the Gawai as far as I could remember. However, it has become an accepted part of the proceedings by now. Anyway, who would pick up a quarrel over something that brings people together, even for a few hours, under one roof in the name of the slogan 'Segulai Sejalai'? * The opinions expressed in this article are the columnist's own and do not reflect the view of the newspaper. culture Dayak Gawai Iban sarawak
Borneo Post
06-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Tax policy must not leave indigenous communities behind, PBDS warns
Dr John Brian Anthony KUCHING (July 7): Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) has voiced deep concern over the implementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) effective July 1, warning that the policy risks could intensify economic hardship for the rural Dayak population in Sarawak. PBDS Permanent Chairman, Dr John Brian Anthony, stressed that the broad application of the SST could further marginalise indigenous communities, who are already struggling with low income levels, high living costs, and limited infrastructure. 'While we understand the government's need to strengthen national revenue through taxation, such fiscal policies must not come at the expense of the socio-economic wellbeing of rural Sarawakians,' said Dr John in a statement. He noted that many rural Dayaks depend on subsistence farming, manual labour, and small-scale trade, making them particularly vulnerable to price increases resulting from the SST. Dr John further explained that this impact is in stark contrast to urban communities, which have more diversified economic opportunities. He also criticised the lack of targeted exemptions and the absence of meaningful consultation with native leaders prior to the tax's implementation. 'There was no proper consultation with indigenous stakeholders. A one-size-fits-all approach shows a serious disconnect from realities on the ground,' he asserted. He also cautioned that the SST may undermine the inclusive development goals outlined under the Malaysia Madani framework. For that, he called upon the federal and Sarawak governments to introduce exemptions for essential goods and services used in rural areas, and to establish a Rural Economic Impact Assessment Committee to examine how national fiscal measures affect indigenous populations. He also called for increased in rural subsidies, development grants, and continuous engagement with Dayak leaders and civil society organisations in policy development. 'Economic justice is integral to indigenous rights, while development cannot be considered fair if it leaves the rural poor behind,' he said. 'Dayak voices matter and PBDS demands inclusive fiscal policies,' he added, reiterating the party's commitment to defending indigenous interests.
Borneo Post
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PBDS: Redelineation must ensure Dayak representation, rural fairness
Dr John Brian Anthony KUCHING (July 6): The coming electoral redelineation in Sarawak must prioritise Dayak representation and rural fairness, said Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) permanent chairman Dr John Brian Anthony. He claimed that the Dayaks, as the largest indigenous community in Sarawak, have long suffered from under-representation, particularly in rural and remote constituencies. 'We remind the state government and the Election Commission (EC) that redelineation is not just about numbers, but about justice, equity, and democratic integrity. 'PBDS will continue to monitor this process closely and will mobilise legal, political, and civil avenues to ensure that Dayak voices are respected and protected,' he said in a statement today. It was issued after Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar told a press conference on Saturday that the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025 will be tabled at a one-day DUN special sitting on July 7. The Bill, to be tabled by Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, involves increasing the number of elected members in the DUN from the present 82. It was also reported that once passed by the DUN, the Bill would be brought to Parliament for federal approval. Once both legislative bodies have endorsed the Bill, the Election Commission (EC) would be responsible for conducting the redelineation exercise. John Brian said PBDS welcomes the announcement that Sarawak is now eligible to begin the process of redelineating its electoral boundaries. He said this development is a constitutional right under Article 113(2)(ii) of the Federal Constitution and provides a long-overdue opportunity to address structural imbalances in electoral representation across the state. 'PBDS urges the EC and the state government to ensure that this redelineation process is transparent, just, and inclusive, taking into account fair representation for rural constituencies and recognition of Dayak demographics, ' he said. According to him, any rural areas predominantly inhabited by the Dayak remain grossly underrepresented due to large geographical coverage with poor accessibility and limited public services. As such, he pointed out any new delineation must correct these disparities by ensuring greater proportionality in seat distribution. He also said PBDS insists that Dayak civil society organisations, local leaders, and community representatives be formally included in public hearings during the redelineation exercise. 'This is essential to build trust, prevent gerrymandering, and ensure legitimacy in the outcome. 'Protection of NCR lands and cultural zones – New boundaries must not arbitrarily divide longhouses, customary lands, or traditional Dayak territories. 'Redelineation should respect adat and native customs, and not be used to fragment cultural and social cohesion,' he said.
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PBDS backs revival of Sarawak Rangers as state-level security force
Dr John Brian Anthony KUCHING (July 5): Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) has voiced strong support for the re-establishment of the Sarawak Rangers as a state-level defence and civil security force, said its permanent chairman Dr John Brian Anthony. He said a revived Sarawak Rangers could complement the national defence force as a state-level paramilitary or auxiliary unit would be well-suited to assist in disaster response, border control, and rural surveillance, particularly given Sarawak's vast and unique terrain. 'PBDS believes this proposed Sarawak Rangers force could work alongside national military and civil defence forces, especially under the structure of Territorial Army (Wataniah) or Auxiliary Police, but with its own Sarawakian identity, mission, and command elements,' he said in a statement. He also said Sarawak Rangers are a symbol of Dayak honour and warriorhood. 'Reviving them would preserve and dignify this legacy, giving new meaning and purpose to the younger generation of Dayaks,' he said. He also suggested that training and recruiting local Sarawakians into such a force could create jobs, instill discipline, and help reduce social issues such as rural unemployment and substance abuse. According to him again, Sarawak Rangers is rooted in Sarawak's historical legacy and tailored to its unique geographical, cultural, and security needs. 'The Sarawak Rangers were once the pride of the state – a highly disciplined, locally trained unit composed largely of Dayak warriors, especially from the Iban community, known for their bravery, jungle warfare skills, and loyalty. 'Their service in major conflicts – from the Brooke era, World Wars, to the Malayan Emergency and the Confrontation with Indonesia – proves their value not just in Sarawak, but to the entire nation,' he said. On Wednesday, federal Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said it is both timely and necessary to explore the revival of the Sarawak Rangers as the state's internal security corps. The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general stressed, however, that such a move should not be misconstrued as an attempt to create a rival force to the Malaysian Army. Nanta made the remarks in a Facebook post, responding to an announcement by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UPKS) 8th anniversary dinner on Tuesday.
Observer
24-06-2025
- General
- Observer
Malaysia's Dayaks mark rice harvest end with colourful parade
Dressed in colourful costumes, some sporting feathered headgear and traditional swords, several thousand of Malaysia's ethnic Dayak people paraded in the streets of Sarawak state on Borneo island Saturday to celebrate the ending of the rice harvest season. The Gawai Dayak 2025 Parade in state capital Kuching is the only annual gathering by representatives of around 11 of Sarawak's main Dayak groups -- which participants said helps to keep alive a unique part of the Southeast Asian nation's culture. Malaysia's Dayaks mark rice harvest end with colourful parade Marchers gathered from early Saturday under the blistering tropical sun, many of them travelling long distances by bus to walk in the parade along the banks of the Sarawak River. "This gathering is something that is very important to me," said Joel Zacchaeus Anak Ebi, sporting the traditional Iban headgear worn by one of Borneo's best-known tribes. Malaysia's Dayaks mark rice harvest end with colourful parade People "must know and realise that Sarawak has traditions and cultures that must be preserved," he told AFP ahead of the march, which was also attended by Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg. "A day like this brings our people together, especially the younger people, who can easily lose touch with their roots when they move away from Sarawak," said Dayak village elder Ngindang Rambo, 61. Watching the parade, Masha Timosha, 34, a tour guide from Russia, said she was amazed by the costumes and atmosphere. "This is just very impressive. I even have my own Sarawakian costume but I didn't put it on," she told AFP. Malaysia's Dayaks mark rice harvest end with colourful parade Malaysia's Dayak people are mainly riverine and hill-dwelling, made up of dozens of ethnic groups, each with their own distinct dialect, customs, laws and practices. Dayak communities however have become increasingly under threat from encroaching palm oil forestry and industrial logging, human rights groups and Indigenous groups have said. Many Indigenous communities in Sarawak face challenges in accessing basic services, Human Rights Watch said in a statement last month, including access to running water, electricity and land titles. Malaysia's Dayaks mark rice harvest end with colourful parade Local groups and international observers have also called on the government to "urgently legislate Indigenous customs and traditions through which Indigenous people have acquired rights to their lands, territories and resources," the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) said last year. Rainforest-clad Borneo is the world's third-largest island and is shared between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. —AFP
