PRESERVING TRADITION: Bidayuh maidens from Kampung Bogag, Bau perform a welcoming dance.
KUCHING: The achievements of the Bidayuh community since independence are still ‘bayuh sadu’ (not enough) to carry the community forward, said Infrastructure Development and Communication Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong.
He pointed out that as members of the Bidayuh community become more semi-urban and less rural-based, their expectations and needs, especially among the younger generation, are becoming more complex and difficult to meet and satisfy.
As not everyone can enter university, he called on Bidayuh parents to encourage their children to go for skills training so that they can play a part when Malaysia achieves developed status in the near future.
“By the year 2020, which is eight years from now, if our children do not have the knowledge and skills training, then the Bidayuh community may not be able to compete and only become mere spectators,” he said at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Gawai get-together dinner on Friday.
Manyin, who is DBNA chief advisor, advised parents not to be reluctant to send their children for skills training certification, especially in the field of
cyclo-motor, because it has high income prospects
“If you go to developed countries, those with skills training can earn more than those in management level. This will be the case and situation in Malaysia after the year 2020,” he said.
He also called on the Bidayuh community to continue supporting DBNA’s efforts to promote and preserve culture and language, which are the common features and identity that bind the Bidayuh of diverse dialects together.
Taking a cue from John F Kennedy, Manyin said: “Don’t ask what DBNA can do for you, but ask what you can contribute to DBNA.”
The dinner jointly organised by DBNA Kuching Urban branch and DBNA Women’s branch served mainly traditional Bidayuh dishes.