SIBU: The implementation of the proposed longhouse development concept by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MHUD) should involve the participation of youths in the target areas.
Longhouse SEMINAR: The seminar participants listen attentively to Gramong’s speech.
Assistant Minister for Rural Development Datuk Gramong Juna, who suggested this, believed the youths, particularly those in rural areas, had their own ideas and inputs on the new concept.
“In fact, this is very important because they are our future leaders in the grassroots who will inherit and continue our longhouse custom and traditions,” he said at the closing of the two-day ‘New Longhouse Concept’ seminar held at a hotel here yesterday.
Gramong suggested that the MHUD conduct a general survey to get feedback from the youths, especially among the Bumiputeras.
“They can use modern tools like websites, blogs or social networking groups such as Facebook or Twitter.
“This is in line with the suggestions made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud that feedback from our youths be obtained so that they could contribute towards the developmental efforts in this state,” he told the seminar participants.
Citing Najib, Gramong said the PM had his own blog, website and Facebook whereby he actively responded to views and comments from the people on development issues and other matters.
He also suggested to the MHUD to adapt the resettlement concept of those affected by the construction of the Bengoh Dam, in Kuching, into the new longhouse concept.
On a related matter, Gramong said the longhouse folk should set aside a provision for facilities like chapel or kindergarten when they plan to build their longhouses using the new concept.
About 1,000 participants comprising longhouse chiefs and penghulus had followed the three-series course which was held in Kuching on April 7 and 8, Miri (April 12 and 13) and ended in Sibu yesterday.
The feedback from the seminar will be gathered and presented by the MHUD to the State Cabinet soon.
Among those present at the ceremony were Assistant Housing and Urban Development Minister Datuk Wahab Aziz, Angkatan Zaman Mansang Sarawak chief executive officer Datu Aloysius Dris, Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak council chief Datu Nillie Tangai and Housing and Urban Development Ministry’s permanent secretary Affandi Keli.