By Karen Bong
MIRI, Nov 7: The Orang Ulu community throughout Sarawak has been urged to remain united and continue giving its strong support to the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the Sarawak Government’s development agenda.
Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Sarawak Malaysia (FORUM) deputy president Dato Dennis Ngau said the community should remain actively involved in Sarawak’s development journey while ensuring its interests and aspirations were represented.
He said inclusive development could only be achieved when all ethnic groups and segments of society worked together towards a common future.
“As members of the Orang Ulu community, we want to remain part of this development journey,” he said when delivering his speech at the launching of FORUM Cultural Centre in Miri today, which was broadcasted live via Ukas Channel.
The centre was officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the community wanted better educational opportunities for its children, improved infrastructure, continued growth in the rural economy and sustained efforts to preserve its cultural heritage.
Dennis, Sarawak Kayan Association president and FORUM Organising and Building Committees chairman, also called on the Orang Ulu community to remain united and place its trust in leaders capable of representing its voice and safeguarding its interests.
Touching on the upcoming 13th Sarawak Election scheduled for Dec 12, he urged the community to make mature and responsible decisions in determining Sarawak’s future.
“I would like to emphasise that Sarawak’s development requires continuity, stability and leadership with a clear sense of direction,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of community participation, unity and involvement in shaping Sarawak’s development.
“Our community must remain engaged, united and actively involved in shaping the development direction of the Sarawak we love,” he said.
Dennis said the Orang Ulu and Dayak communities should continue progressing alongside Sarawak’s development rather than risk being left behind as the State advanced.
He also reminded the community that its strength lay not in individual achievements but in unity and the willingness to work together.
Citing Psalm 133:1, he said the message of living together in harmony was particularly relevant to a community comprising different ethnic groups, languages, dialects and backgrounds.
“We may comprise different ethnic groups, languages, dialects and backgrounds, but we share a common identity as the Orang Ulu community of Sarawak,” he said.
He urged the community not to allow differences to divide them or undermine opportunities to achieve greater things together.
Dennis also expressed appreciation to the Premier for his continued attention to the development of the Orang Ulu community, expressing hope that cooperation between the Sarawak government and the community would continue to strengthen for the benefit of future generations. — DayakDaily
