KUCHING: The Samarahan branch of Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) plans to organise various projects and activities next year to promote greater interaction among members of the branch and with those from other branches of the association.
Branch chairman Donald J AhGuan said the events would be carried out under the DBNA Samarahan Quop Community Outreach Programme or DBNA Quop Corp.
DBNA Quop Corp was launched by Public Health Assistant Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil in July 2012 at a gathering attended by about 800 people, including DBNA central executive council members.
“We want to see better understanding and interaction among Bidayuhs of different dialectical groups.
“Esprit de corps is very crucial and important in the community,” Donald said, adding that Bidayuhs being mostly Catholics and Anglicans, the Christian spirit would guide them to achieve important tasks for the betterment of the community as a whole.
“This was the dream of the founding members of the association,” he stressed when speaking to The Borneo Post.
He advised that they should not quarrel over petty issues.
“Let’s always remember that unity and loyalty should be uppermost in our minds and never allow differences to break us,” he said.
Last year and this year, he added, had been a busy year for the branch, such as in organising trips to other branches such as Lundu apart from holding sports events like football tournaments to enhance ties.
He said the branch would continue to do its bit for the good of its members and the community as a whole, pointing out in July this year they assisted in the 100th anniversary celebration of St James’ School Quop.
Meanwhile, he thanked Dr Jerip for attending the branch’s functions and for his support towards it.
The chairman also thanked members of the Women’s Institute of Quop for working closely with the branch in carrying out various activities.
He wished all fellow Christians a Merry Christmas.