By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 1: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has rejected claims that Dayaks are being sidelined in Sarawak’s leadership appointments, saying the State’s approach has always been based on fairness and recognising capable individuals.
Speaking at the PBB Special Convention for Betong Zone today, Abang Johari said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) had always practised an inclusive policy for all communities and did not want anyone to be left out from Sarawak’s development agenda.
“Siapa nya pandai, nya lah naik!” (Whoever is capable will rise), he said during the event, which was broadcast live on the GPS Facebook page.
Abang Johari, who is also PBB president, said Sarawak’s approach could be seen through the appointment of leaders from different ethnic backgrounds to senior positions in the State administration.
He cited the appointment of Datuk Amar Jaul Samion as State Secretary during his tenure as Chief Minister, saying there was no controversy despite Jaul being an Iban.
“Why was there no argument then? There was no Malay who made noise. Jaul was State Secretary. Because Jaul is fair to everybody,” he said.
He also cited the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot, a Bidayuh, who served as State Secretary during the administration of the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
“There was no one making noise because he was fair,” he said.
Abang Johari said attempts to raise such issues were part of old political tactics, especially with the election approaching.
“Now during this period, when the election is near, it starts again. They start jumping again,” he said, referring to what he described as political manoeuvres.
He said Sarawak had succeeded because its leadership focused on cooperation among communities rather than creating divisions.
“We do not want people to be left out from the main development. PBB has a policy for all races,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is PBB deputy president, dismissed claims that Dayaks were being sidelined from senior government positions, describing the allegation as inaccurate and intended to influence voters.
“I agree with Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi that the allegation that Dayaks are being sidelined in Sarawak government positions is not accurate and is meant to incite the Dayak community. It is only to fish for votes,” he said.
Uggah said available data showed Dayaks continued to hold various senior positions within the State administration and government-linked organisations.
He cited Agriculture Department director Dominic Chunggat, an Iban, as well as the Public Works Department (JKR) director Datu Dr Cassidy Morris, where an Iban officer was succeeded by another Iban officer after retirement.
He also pointed to the Sarawak Health Department director Dr Veronica Lugah, Miri Port Authority general manager Serawa Budol, and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) chief executive officer Dato Janin Girie as examples of Dayaks holding key positions.
“According to the data I have here, we have one Deputy State Secretary who is a Dayak, 21 directors and heads of units, five residents and 26 district officers,” he said.
Uggah also highlighted Jaul’s appointment as State Secretary in 2019, saying it showed that a Dayak had been entrusted with one of Sarawak’s highest administrative positions.
He said the issue should not be used to create division among communities, stressing that Sarawak’s leadership had always focused on cooperation and ensuring development reached all people.
Also present were Deputy Premier and PBB deputy president Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, PBB senior vice president Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, PBB permanent chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, PBB Women chief Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah and PBB Youth chief Datuk Martin Ben. — DayakDaily
