Leonard (seventh left) and other office bearers in a photo call after the AGM.
KUCHING: Dato Leonard Martin Uning was elected the new president of Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) during its 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) here last Saturday.
In his acceptance speech in front of more than 200 members attending the AGM, Leonard said he was honoured and privileged to have been entrusted with the responsibility to lead DCCI for the term 2020-2023.
He also said he would be the president for one term only, but he would endeavour to make sure that DCCI continue to seek the highest level of recognition and respect.
He also pledged to make sure DCCI becomes a credible voice for the development, promotion and participation of the Dayak community in economy and business, and to forge close working relationship with the government.
“I will endeavour and continue to work closely with Dayak political leaders and the government because no economic and business agenda we intend to pursue can be achieved without the support of our political leaders and the government”.
He said among his priorities is to develop DCCI into an important centre for research and development. To do this, he said he would assemble some of the very best from within the Dayak community to come up with economic database and to deliberate on ideas, opportunities and ideals that could be turned and incorporated into economic policies, strategies and programmes of the government.
“DCCI will work together with the government to bring about the transformation of the rural economy from B40 to middle class income economy. DCCI will also work together with the government to find a holistic solution to the problems of economic disparities that often divide us and threaten the harmony we all deserve to enjoy,” he said.
Realising how important it is for the Dayaks to have its own Community Chest, he said he would initiate discussions with the main stakeholders of the Dayak community on the possibility of establishing it.
“The concept is that the community should begin with ourselves to generate the fund we as a community, need to achieve our vision and objectives”
Leonard, 77, served in the government for 30 years before venturing into business and is now managing director of Debessa Development Sdn Bhd, which he founded in 1997.
Among the positions he has held included principal of Tanjong Lobang College, assistant director of state Education Department, Limbang Resident, permanent secretary of two ministries and general manager of Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra).
The election of DCCI office bearers also saw several old faces retained and new ones included.
Kilat Beriak and Libat Langub retained their posts as deputy president and secretary-general respectively, while Bell Agan was elected the new treasurer-general.
Five persons were elected vice presidents — Dato Winsel Athos, Dato Janang Bungsu, Datuk Mutang Tagal, Peru Balan Ding and TR Billy Usit.
Ten elected ordinary supreme council members are Dr Florince Christy, Paul Anyie Raja, Leonard Jambu, Telajan Luyoh, Herlbert Ubong, Granda Aing, Barry Langan, Ranggau Manggas, Stephen Mau and Jim Neging.
Leonard said six appointed members of the supreme council would also be announced soon.
He also said the supreme council had proposed to appoint three additional members to the current panel of advisors comprising Tan Sri Datuk Amar Leonard Linggi Tun Jugah, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Leo Moggie, Prof Dr Dimbab Ngidang, Dato Henry Harry Jinep and Datuk Jacob Dunggau Sagan.
He said the proposed additional DCCI advisors are Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, immediate past president Datuk Joseph Salang and immediate past treasurer Allan Keripin Nangkai.