Manyin (fifth left) hands over the ‘Strategic Plan’ documents to Abang Johari. — Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING: The Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) has unveiled its Strategic Plan 2020-2030, which it hopes the Sarawak government would be able to implement for the Bidayuh community as the state gears itself towards becoming a high-income economy by 2030.
The Strategic Plan document, with six strategic core thrusts, was launched during the New Year and DBNA’s 65th anniversary gathering at the association’s multipurpose hall here on Friday night.
DBNA chief advisor Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong presented the Strategic Plan to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg after the symbolic unveiling ceremony.
In his speech, Abang Johari regarded the Strategic Plan as being in line with the Sarawak government’s development for the Greater Kuching area.
“With Bidayuh community predominantly living in the Greater Kuching area, I believe we can work together (to achieve this Strategic Plan) and to uplift the income of the Bidayuh community. The year 2030 is also the state’s target to be most developed in Malaysia,” he said.
The six core thrusts of the Strategic Plan 2020-2030 for the Bidayuh community are organisational sustainability; education and skills; development, culture, language and heritage; Native Customary Rights (NCR) land documentation and development; entrepreneurship development programmes; and community development and social welfare services.
Prepared by DBNA and Bidayuh Graduates Association (BGA), the document contains proposals for programmes and projects meant to help the Bidayuhs prepare for and participate in the National Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 and also the state’s vision of becoming a high-income economy by 2030.
These proposals are the outcomes from a workshop session, jointly run by the DBNA and BGA last November, to identify, clarify and address priority areas for the development and advancement of the community.
It is DBNA’s second strategic plan, following the formulation of the first one in 2007. Its primary objective is to provide a framework for the development of the Bidayuh community, and to seek funding from the government for the proposed programmes and projects.
Meanwhile, some 1,000 people including those from DBNA’’ 21 branches and also the Klang Valley branch, attended the function.
Later, Abang Johari pledged a grant of RM16 million for DBNA to build an eight-storey community hostel adjacent to the multipurpose hall.
The construction of the new building, which would also house DBNA’s administrative office, should commence upon the receipt of the approval from the State Planning Authority.
Construction is expected to take 18 months.