Juanda (seated, middle) speaking to the media while accompanied by other assemblymen. Photo by Chimon Upon
KUCHING: The word ‘ulun’ used during a debate on the 2020 State Budget was never intended to stir racial issues and hurt the feelings of other races in Sarawak, said Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya (GPS-Jemoreng).
On Nov 10, Democratic Action Party Serian Youth chief Brolin Nicholsion had reportedly lodged a police report against the Jemoreng assemblyman for uttering the word in the assembly meeting on Nov 6.
Brolin said the word ‘ulun’ is an extremely degrading word and it is also an insult to the Dayak community.
“I would like to stress again that we do not have the ill-intention to disregard the feelings of other races living in the state,” said Juanda during a press conference held at the State Legislative Assembly’s building media room today.
He said that matters brought up in the meeting are only to safeguard the best interest and advancement of Sarawak and he expressed his hope that any assemblyperson should be allowed to speak their mind in the chamber.
“It is better if we can fight together for the betterment of Sarawak where developments can be brought to every corner of the state,” said Juanda.
However, Juanda said that he will provide full cooperation to the police if they should have any requests.
He also added that no dissent or response was recorded from the opposition assembly members when he uttered the controversial word in his debate.