By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 5: Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) backs the idea of re-establishing the Sarawak Rangers as not only a way to enhance safety, but also to preserve and uphold the Dayak’s cultural legacy.
In a statement, its permanent chairman, Dr John Brian Anthony, said the Sarawak Rangers were once the pride of the State as they were a highly disciplined, locally trained unit composed mainly of Dayak warriors known for their bravery, jungle warfare skills, and loyalty.
“The Sarawak Rangers are a symbol of Dayak honour and warriorhood. Reviving them would preserve and dignify this legacy, giving the younger generation of Dayaks new meaning and purpose.
“Furthermore, Sarawak’s terrain, borders, and remote rural areas present unique security and emergency response challenges. A State-level paramilitary or auxiliary force would be ideal to support national defence, assist in disaster response, and reinforce border control and rural surveillance,” he said.
He added that training and recruiting local Sarawakians—particularly indigenous youth—into such a force could create jobs, instil discipline, and reduce social issues.
John Brian also suggested that the Sarawak Rangers force could work alongside national military and civil defence forces, especially under the structure of the Territorial Army (Wataniah) or Auxiliary Police, but with its own Sarawakian identity, mission, and command elements.
That being said, he proposed that the Sarawak government engage the federal government to initiate a formal study on the legal and structural framework for the re-establishment of Sarawak Rangers.
“Such a unit can also function in community outreach, environmental protection, and emergency preparedness, especially in hard-to-reach areas across Sarawak.
“Any revival must include strong emphasis on professionalism, civilian oversight, and multi-ethnic recruitment, while preserving the proud Dayak heritage,” he said.
On July 2, Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi proposed that it may be timely to explore reviving the Sarawak Rangers following Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s initiative to send Sarawakian students to the UK’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. — DayakDaily
