Latest news with #Sikie
Borneo Post
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
New community leadership proposal to be tabled by special committee in Q3 2025
Sikie speaking during today's DUN sitting. KUCHING (May 26): The Sarawak government has reviewed 923 applications for new community leader posts from all divisions across the state, says Minister in Sarawak Premier's Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai. According to him, this proposal for these Ketua Masyarakat and Ketua Kaum (KMKK) posts will be tabled at the Special Committee on the Management of KMKK Affairs meeting, set for the third quarter of this year. In Sarawak 'Ketua Masyarakat (community leader) hierarchy, the post of 'Ketua Kaum' or 'Ketua Kampung' corresponds to village headman, similar to 'Tuai Rumah', who leads a longhouse. Going up are the 'Kapitan' (clan/neighbourhood/group chief), the 'Penghulu' (sub-division or settlement chief), the 'Pemanca' (district or regional chief), and the highest 'Temenggong' (paramount leader). Adding on, Sikie said the applications were reviewed based on general guidelines, including jurisdiction area size and the rising number of households. One general criterion for the creation of a Ketua Kaum post would be the minimum of 20 households in a village, or 20 'doors' (units) in a longhouse. 'The Sarawak government is aware of the need to increase the number of KMKK positions across the state. 'This is to further enhance the effectiveness of government service delivery to the people,' he said in his winding-up speech at the DUN sitting earlier today. On salary and allowance adjustments for KMKKs, the Kakus assemblyman said the last revision made by the state government was in 2018, which set an increase of RM100. 'As such, a new proposal to revise the salaries of community leaders and the allowances for Ketua Kaum has been tabled at the special committee meeting, which has decided that the proposal should be further detailed. 'This is to ensure the proposed rates are reasonable and commensurate with the responsibilities and roles of KMKKs,' he said. In this respect, Sikie said the government acknowledged the increasingly important roles and responsibilities of KMKKs in line with the state's aspiration of achieving the developed status by 2030 under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. community leader DUN sitting John Sikie Tayai Ketua Masyarakat lead
Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Dayaks urged to celebrate Gawai with gratitude, not excessive spending
The 'Pekit Kumang' winners pose for a group photo alongside members of the organising committee.- Ukas photo BINTULU (May 25): The Dayak community should celebrate the upcoming Gawai Dayak festival with gratitude and simplicity, avoiding excessive spending that could become a financial burden, said Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai. Speaking when officiating at the Bintulu Division-level Pre-Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration at a local restaurant yesterday, Sikie emphasised the importance of financial stability after the holidays, especially for families with school-going children or university students who will need funds for education expenses. 'I understand that celebrating Gawai is a joyous occasion for everyone involved. However, I strongly encourage a modest celebration, especially for those with school-going children or those in university who will need funds for education expenses after the Gawai break,' he was quoted as saying in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit report. Sikie, who is Kakus assemblyman, also encouraged the community to use the festive season as an opportunity to reunite with relatives and friends, particularly those living in urban areas. 'After this Pre-Gawai celebration, many will return to their longhouses to celebrate Gawai Dayak properly in their hometowns,' he added. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of unity and future planning among the Dayak community, especially those returning to their longhouses during Gawai. 'For those living in towns like Bintulu, this is the time to reconnect with family. I urge everyone, whether returning home or staying in the longhouse, to come together and plan for their community's development,' he said. The event was jointly organised by four major associations namely the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia), Orang Ulu National Association (Ouna), Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), and Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS). To show appreciation for the organisers' efforts, Sikie announced a RM30,000 contribution to the organising committee. Additionally, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Dato Majang Renggi also contributed RM20,000. The event was further enlivened by the 'Pekit Kumang' contest in conjunction with Pre-Gawai Dayak 2025. Delfina Damun Kiran was crowned 'Kumang', taking home RM3,000 along with a crown, a sash, a trophy, finger flowers, and a participation certificate. Second place ('Lulong') went to Amyder Mikey Drake, who received RM2,500, while Zeona Deour Jacob came in third ('Selinggar Matahari') receiving RM2,000, along with other prizes. Dayak community Gawai Dayak John Sikie Tayai lead
Borneo Post
11-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Sikie: Sarawak's education push yields results, families producing more graduates
Sikie greets the residents upon his arrival at the event. – Photo by Sarawak Public Communications Unit TATAU (May 11): Sarawak's continued investment in education is yielding results, with some families now producing three to four graduates each—a significant leap from just one per household in the past, said Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai. Speaking during the Jiwa @ Komuniti Madani Pre-Gawai Celebration at Rumah Dayat Anak Puso, Jalan Sibu-Bintulu yesterday, Sikie emphasised that education remains a central focus of the Sarawak government. He said the state's free education policy aims to ensure that every child in Sarawak has access to higher education. 'Back in the early 1990s, together with then-Selangau MP Datuk Joseph Mauh, we constantly encouraged longhouses to produce at least one graduate. 'In the 2000s, we pushed further, urging every family to raise at least one graduate. Today, we're seeing even greater progress—some families now have three or four graduates, and in some cases, every child in a family has earned a degree,' he said. Sikie noted that this continued improvement in educational access and quality is transforming the future of rural communities. Looking ahead, he echoed a bold vision voiced by Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira, who once said that every longhouse should aim to produce a millionaire. 'With higher education and strong financial literacy, this is no longer a far-fetched dream—it's a goal within reach,' he added. On a cultural note, Sikie, who is Kakus assemblyman, highlighted the importance of the Gawai Dayak celebration, calling it a powerful event that unites communities and strengthens social ties. 'Gawai is when many people return home. It reconnects us and reminds us of our shared roots and values,' he said. The speech was delivered in front of more than 400 attendees gathered to mark the upcoming Gawai festival. The event was organised by the Tatau District Information Department. Among the highlights of the programme were a fire safety demonstration by the Fire and Rescue Department, a talk by Amanita (Royal Malaysia Police), and a lecture by the Department of Agriculture. Also featured were health screenings, an exhibition and sale of handicrafts, and the sale of local agricultural products. The event was further enlivened by cultural performances and the serving of a variety of traditional cakes and delicacies. Also present were Tatau District officer Calvin Ligong Bujang@Endawie, Tatau District Information officer Donny Minggu Ling, ASP Kisam Wa representing Tatau police chief and Pemanca Gerosen Jubin. education graduates John Sikie Tayai lead results
