Manyin (second left) discusses with others namely (from right) Ik Pahon, Minos, ACP Dato Clarence Rorote Sagon, Dato Peter Nyomek, Nissom and Dr Jerip, as he prepares to give a toast during the dinner.
Jisin (middle) adjusts his footwork for the poco-poco dance as the group moves to a number sung by Dr Jerip (not seen in the photo).
KUCHING: The Bidayuh community are proud of the success of Dewi Liana Seriestha who became the first Malaysian to win the Miss Talent subsidiary title at the just concluded Miss World 2014 finals in London.
Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) chief advisor Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong said this achievement should inspire and motivate other Bidayuhs to also excel internationally.
He hoped that Bidayuh men would step up and take up the challenge to succeed at the world stage although the trail was blazed by two Bidayuh ladies – Dewi Liana and London Olympics 2012 bronze medallist Pandelela Rinong.
“Today, we are celebrating Miss Malaysia World, Dewi, who has been declared Miss World – Talent. This is the first for Malaysia.
“So, we already have two Bidayuh ladies who excelled at the world stage and we are really proud of them. None from men yet (but hopefully things will change),” he said at a pre-Christmas gathering held at Awah Cafe, DBNA headquarters on Tuesday night.
Manyin also mentioned that for the Bidayuh community to continue moving forward in this increasingly challenging world, they must be of quality and develop better cultural attributes such as saving money for the future.
He pointed out unity alone does not guarantee that the Bidayuhs, as a minority group, can compete with the rest.
“The Bidayuhs have been described by historians as very timid. If we remain timid, it’s hard for us to move forward.
“So, it is high time to think that you are superior. Because superiority is one of the factors that can move you forward,” said Manyin, also Infrastructure Development and Communication Minister.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Public Health Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, political secretary to the chief minister Datuk Wilfred Rata Nissom who is also a former DBNA president, another
former DBNA president Dato Peter Minos and Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) president Jisin Nyud.
Meanwhile, DBNA president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik said many activities were being planned for next year to commemorate DBNA’s 60th anniversary or diamond jubilee.
Among them is a follow-up seminar to this year’s symposium, and the return of Pesta Birumuh, he added.