Bernard receiving the RM25,000 donation from Dawos which was handed over by Paul Ponar (left), witnessed by Ik Pahon (centre).
MIRI: Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Miri has been praised for its efforts in stressing the importance of education to the Bidayuh community.
“DBNA Miri has carried out many activities and among them, concerning the importance of education.
“Education is so important for the Bidayuh because it makes us competitive in the national development agenda,” said Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Ik Pahon Joyik.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of DBNA Miri Inaugural Charity Golf which was held on Saturday at Miri Golf Club (KGM) to raise money for the association’s Education Fund.
Among those present that evening were Paul Ponar Sinjeng special officer to Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) Dato’ Sri Dr James Dawos Mamit, DBNA Miri chairman Captain Bernard Idit and Miri Golf Club Captain Ivan Pui.
Ik Pahon, who is also DBNA state president, said the Miri branch of DBNA headed by Captain Bernard Idit has done very well for the Bidayuh in Miri, a city with the second largest Bidayuh settlement in the state, after Kuching.
“Many Bidayuh flock to Miri to make a living, thus making the role of DBNA here important, in helping our fellow Bidayuh succeed.
“We even have a Bidayuh village here in Kampung Lusut, which is outside Kuching,” he said, adding that there are over 5,000 Bidayuh currently living in Miri and DBNA is there to always support them, especially in terms of education.
He also praised the charity golf held, saying that the funding will enhance the quality of education for Bidayuh students in whatever ways it could.
Meanwhile, Captain Bernard, who spoke earlier, said the charity golf which was held for the first time by DBNA Miri successfully raised RM55,480, including RM25,000 donated by Dawos.
Golfers participating in the tournament came from Miri, Kuching, Kuala Lumpur, Bintulu, Sibu as well as Kota Kinabalu and they were vying for the
‘Dato Sri Dr James Dawos Mamit Trophy.