By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, Sept 4: Describing the Bidayuh Community as “chili padi”, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has commended the Bidayuh community for being united despite just being a minority ethnic group in Sarawak.
He said although the community consists of a minority race, they are very effective and united.
Abang Johari called on the Bidayuh community to remain united as it is their symbol and trademark for other communities to emulate.
On politics, Abang Johari said that there are many peninsula-based parties and they fight with each other unlike the political parties in Sarawak which are united.
“Since we do not have Umno, don’t welcome them. Peninsula-based parties have to fight because they do not know our culture.
“We can take care of ourselves. When we are united, we protect ourselves,” he said in his speech before presenting a grant to the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) for the association to build a community hostel at its headquarters here yesterday.
He said if there is no unity among the people, the state and the county cannot move forward.
On the state economy, Abang Johari who is Finance and Economic Planning Minister, said the state government will develop all the facilities including the Agropark within Greater Kuching which covers Bau and Serian.
He added the Agropark will be equipped with the Internet of Things (IoT) for the development of the agriculture sector in Sarawak.
Utilising the land in Sarawak, Abang Johari said the state government will develop the agriculture sector to strengthen the food security.
He is confident that Sarawak will become a developed state by 2030.
On the building of the community hostel, Abang Johari said the facilities can provide accommodations for visitors and the Bidayuh community to upgrade knowledge and attend seminars at the DBNA’s multi-purpose hall. —DayakDaily
Editor’s Note: The story has been updated.
