Strategic Plan 2020-2029 for Bidayuh community being finalised before submission to CM

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The guests join the participants of the DBNA-DGA retreat in a photo-call at Bung Bratak Heritage Centre.

BAU: A 10-year strategic plan for the Bidayuh community is now being finalised before its submission to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Strategic Plan 2020-2029 would include programmes and projects proposed and requested by the community for implementation by the government.

It would be the second of such plan since the formulation of the first one in 2007.

The drafting is based on the presentations by several working groups during the three-day strategic retreat, organised by Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) in collaboration with the Bidayuh Graduates Association (BGA), which concluded yesterday.

The six working groups had worked on the topics of ‘Organisational Sustainability’, ‘Education and Skills Development’, ‘Bidayuh Culture, Language and Heritage’, ‘Native Customary Rights (NCR) Land Documentation and Development’, ‘Entrepreneurship’, and ‘Community Development and Services’.

Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin, who is also DBNA advisor, came to officiate at the closing ceremony yesterday, and also to listen to the group presentations.

Also present were several Bidayuh elected representatives including Mambong assemblyman Datuk Dr Jerip Susil who is Assistant Minister of Transport, Tasik Biru assemblyman Dato Henry Harry Jinep and Kedup assemblyman Martin Ben, as well as Bung Bratak Heritage Association chairman Dato Peter Minos.

Meanwhile, DBNA president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik said the retreat this time featured the most high-powered thinktank ever assembled from amongst the Bidayuhs.

He said those participating included four professors, three associate professors and 10 individuals who graduated with PhDs in their respective fields.

“At the end of the day, it is all about us helping our community and giving back to the people,” said Ik Pahon, adding that the strategic plan would be based on the current scenario and environment affecting the Bidayuhs.