KUCHING, May 29: The Iban community must come together as one and strategise when facing challenges affecting them.
Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDSB) secretary-general Julius Enchana said currently, personal greed, jealousy of each other’s success as well as weak leadership were making the Ibans vulnerable to exploitation and manipulation by certain quarters.
Agreeing with Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing that ego and macho attitude were the worst problems that the Dayak community have that led to the weakening of Dayaks’ political power, he, however, asked: “When the leader(s) do not accept criticisms, aren’t (sic) that egoism?
“Dayak leaders must listen to the ‘voice outside the gate’. When you are too defensive, you are taking everything for granted. Worst still when you are saying Ibans lack discipline, so what have you done to bring your community to a better level?”
Julius urged Ibans in political circles to play their roles accordingly and to tap all available resources to develop their own community.
He pointed out that at present, the Ibans also lack a strong platform to air their views on issues affecting them or to move them forward.
“Inheriting their forefathers’ historical past, the Ibans only have their past glory and bravery, like the spirit of ‘Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban’ as their legacy to be proud of. However, for the present moment, they have yet to write their own legacy that they can proudly call their own.
“Has the Iban lost their ‘Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban’ touch or has it faded away with modern times?” he wondered. — DayakDaily
