SIBU, June 18: The appointments of Dayaks to high-ranking positions remain elusive even with ‘Malaysia Baru’.
Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDSB) secretary-general Julius Enchana said, “The federal government seems unfair to Dayaks, as there are not many Dayaks appointed to high-ranking positions.”
He wondered if individuals picked to hold such posts were based on quota or merit, not forgetting that Dayaks accounts for about 6 million of the country’s population.
“If it is based on meritocracy, are we not competent enough or less smart than others?” he asked in a statement today.
He made this comment following the appointment of Dr Lawrence Tseu Sed Kong as the new chairman of the state’s Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) effective June 13.
In congratulating Tseu on his appointment, Julius said, “We didn’t (sic) object the appointment. However, we want to raise and voice the imbalance of appointment of high-rank positions in state and federal governments.
“We can see this imbalance happening around the state.”
Julius urged the Dayak community to reflect on their political direction and also reminded them that there is no Iban representation in the Federal Cabinet.
“Same goes for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). The set up is ‘always back to the 70s’, whereby the Dayaks play second fiddle (as deputy chief ministers), while others lead.
“Are we on the right course in our political struggles or will we stay passive in this big movement of ‘Malaysia Baru’?” he asked. — DayakDaily
