KUCHING, August 13: Dayak Round Table (DRT), a local non-governmental organisation (NGO), is organising a national conference to deliberate on the involvement of the Dayak community in politics and economic activities. It will also touch on native customary rights (NCR) land.
Organising chairman Patrick Sibat Sujang said the one-day gathering would be held this Sept 17 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). He expects about 3,000 people from 25 Dayak NGOs and the public to attend. Attendance is free.
Sibat said the event was not affiliated to any political parties, politicians or ministers.
“However, any member of political parties, ministers or politicians are welcomed, as long as they don’t come wearing the hat of their political parties,” he told a press conference at Telang Usan Hotel here this afternoon.
Themed ‘Forging Dayak Political and Economic Convergence’, three professionals will be presenting three papers. Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Professor of Politics and Government Dr Jayum Jawan will speak on the involvement of Dayaks in politics as well as the current political scenario. NCR land expert Professor Dr Dimbab Ngidang will present a paper on NCR issues plaguing the Dayak community. Universiti Malaya Associate Professor of Law Dr Ramy Bulan will touch on land issues and also the legal aspects of it.
DRT advisor Dusit Jaul said the objective of the conference was to provide a channel for Dayak experts to share their ideas and opinions on the issues to be deliberated.
“Another objective is to show Dayak grassroots’ capabilities to rise to the occasion, to adapt, to empower and to encourage change in the community,” said Dusit.
He is optimistic that through the conference, substantive ideas would be shared to enable the Dayaks to move forward and be able to stay on par with other communities in the country.
“We have at least 25 Dayak NGOs from around the country expressing their support for this conference. Some are from Miri, Sabah and even Kuala Lumpur,” claimed Dusit, adding that more similar conferences would be held in the near future.
On a separate note, Dusit said there would be crafts and food stalls at the conference. Those interested in these stalls can contact the organisers at 082-258588 or 012-8095919. The fee is RM100 per stall. For more information about the conference, the organisers can be reached at the same numbers. — DayakDaily
