Datuk Joseph Mauh
SIBU: Selangau will soon have its own Rumah Dayak where the Dayak community can get together and hold cultural activities.
Disclosing this on Saturday night at a ‘Ngiling Bidai’ function in Permai Jaya here, Tamin assemblyman Datuk Joseph Mauh said they would source for funding for the proposed project, starting next year. He further revealed that they would try to find a piece of land of about 10 acres in Selangau for the building.
“Well, this (Rumah Dayak) is definitely in our long term plan which we hope can materialise in five or six years’ time,” Mauh told The Borneo Post.
Asked on the purpose of the Rumah Dayak there, he said it was to preserve the unique Dayak culture while providing a venue for the community to get together to celebrate festivals and other activities.
“During the Gawai Dayak celebrations, longhouses will celebrate in their own unique way. What we are proposing is that the community can come together at this proposed Rumah Dayak and celebrate the occasion in a common and unique way.
“In that way, we can further strengthen solidarity and unity among the people,” Mauh said enthusiastically.
He also revealed that he would seek more funds for educational purposes in Selangau, such as for providing incentives to children and organising motivational courses for parents.
“Yes, we already have an educational fund but we need to seek more funding given the growing needs. I have discussed with Datuk Joseph Entulu (Selangau MP and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department) on this matter,” he said.
At the same time, he assured his constituents that he was doing his level best to seek more funding for development projects such as roads and supply of water and electricity.