KUCHING: It is about time members and leaders of the Dayak community minimise criticisms of one another openly through the media.
Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin said using the media to criticise each other would not enable the Dayaks to move forward; it would only encourage them to argue even more among themselves.
He said the Dayaks should learn from other ‘successful’ communities who resolve differences quietly among themselves, and were able to progress together through unity of purpose.
Manyin (centre) in a photo call with the winners and guests.
“It can be very damaging if we are skeptical of each other due to open criticism of one another in the media. We cannot get anywhere if this continues.
“Maybe it is due to ‘saruh’ (culture shock). But we should stop this. Turn events such as Gawai celebrations or golf tournaments as platforms where we create unity of purpose, and we can move forward as one,” he said.
Manyin, who is also Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) advisor, said this at the presentation of prizes for winners of the 15th World Bidayuh Golf Championship (WBGC) at DBNA headquarters here yesterday.
Some 120 Bidayuh golfers played at the tournament, which offered the Dato Sri Michael Manyin Challenge Trophy for the men’s category and Datin Sri Mary Manyin Challenge Trophy for the women’s category.
There are also other trophies such as the DBNA President’s Challenge Trophy and Togap Challenge Trophy.
The tournament was organised by Bidayuh Golfers Club (Togap).
Golfers from other communities were also invited to participate in the invitation category.
DBNA president who is also acting Deputy State Secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik said he was happy to see participation from other communities at the tournament, which reflected the racial harmony in Sarawak.
He was also proud that this tournament now held for the 15th year is still going strong, and attracted Bidayuh golfers including those who have domiciled elsewhere.
Togap president and a political secretary to the chief minister Dr Simon Sinang Bada, Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum and Lt-Gen Datuk Stephen Mundaw were also present at the function.
Meanwhile, the tee-off for the tournament took place earlier yesterday at Samarahan Country Club, performed by Manyin himself.
Golfers who played included deputy Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Dato Gerawat Gala and several Bidayuh assemblymen.