BETONG, May 22: The Dayak non-governmental organisations (NGOs) must understand the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 to participate in it.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said when the NGOs understand PCDS 2030’s many strategic thrusts and goals, they could play their roles in including the community in the development of Sarawak.
“When we want to fish, we must know where the ‘lubok’ (deep pool), ‘empurau’ or ‘semah’ (fishes) are teeming. Similarly, if we want to look for fruits, we must know where the prolific durian and rambutan orchards are.
“If the community is in the dark about the PCDS, they will not be able to participate in it. When they fail to participate, they will be left out and at a great disadvantage.
“So what will happen then? Like what had happened in the past, there will be accusations that the community is deliberately left behind,” he said, adding that this is untrue.
Uggah, the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, explained that the PCDS 2030 introduced by the Sarawak government is ultimately for all Sarawakians, irrespective of their race, religion or social background.
“The Dayak community must have the interest and commitment to participate.
“They can pool their assets and resources and use their intelligence. After all, they have many well-qualified people, including PhD holders,” he said when officiating at the Betong Division Gawai Dayak 2022 dinner gathering at the Dewan Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan here yesterday (May 21).
Uggah, who is also Bukit Saban assemblyman, said Betong is among the top divisions in Sarawak in terms of infrastructure and amenities distribution.
He said the next challenge for Betong would be to develop suitable economic programmes to allow the people to generate more income. — DayakDaily
