Penguang (front, centre), flanked by Rolland on his right and Robert, joins longhouse chieftain Anthony (front, left) and other villagers show their thumbs-up for the camera during a photo-call.
SIBU: Every longhouse committee is encouraged to prepare its profile that includes data of its villagers and facilities, advises Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil.
He said having such a comprehensive profile would enable respective elected representatives (YBs) to know more about their longhouse constituents, their needs and requests as well as other relevant information.
“This will give the YBs a big picture of what is actually going on in their respective constituencies and the key things that they (longhouse folk) wish to apply from their elected representatives.
“With such information, the YBs are able to properly set aside allocations from their MRP (Minor Rural Project) funds based on the requests and priorities,” he said at the ‘Ngiling Bidai 2017’ hosted by the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Central Region unit at Rumah Anthony Philip in Bawang Assan here recently.
The closing of Gawai Dayak celebrations was also attended by Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat, Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) deputy chairman Robert Lau, PDP vice-president Councillor Teo Boon Siew, PDP Central Zone chairman Dato Lau Cheng Kiong, PDP Bawang Assan chairman Wong Hua and Kelvin Lau, who represented his father, local community leader Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau, at the event.
Adding on, Penguang who is Marudi assemblyman said having the longhouse profile would provide a much more systematic and organised data not only to the elected representatives, but also to visitors such as foreign tourists.
On another matter, the assistant minister called upon all Iban parents to continue focusing on their children’s education.
“Education is the key to attaining success in life. Without education, we – the Ibans – would be lagging behind other communities.
“As parents, we must remember that no matter what, we must strive to give the best education to our children, so that they would be able to continue up to the tertiary level,” he said.
Penguang also advised Iban youngsters against taking their responsibility as students for granted.
“You all must strive to do your best in your studies. Knowledge is the power – having it would shape you into becoming respectable adults. So, make the best of your time right now; learn as much as you can because knowledge never gets old – instead, it makes you wiser and helps you to become more successful in life.”