This morning (30 Jan 2010) I (uninvited) attended the 32nd triennial general assembly of Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) to listen to a speech of Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Culture Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum at the Penview Hotel, Kuching.
Two things he mentioned very clearly.
(i) Don’t bring politics into the Union
(ii) What is your contribution to the Union?
Don’t bring politics to the union:
Salang said that the Union has never been involved in politics and it should be kept that way. Some of the members, he said, might be involved in politics, but that was their personal involvement.
“You cannot blame them for being in politics, although they may hold office as president, deputy president, secretary and committee members. And your political leaning is your own business. Some of us are in BN just like me; others are in the opposition.
“Why should people like me want to bring SDNU to BN and others to Opposition?” he asked and said: “We cannot force people to follow your parties.”
Salang added: “Whether you are in the opposition and I am in the BN, there is no reason why we cannot make the union as the centre of our cultural unity.”
Our contribution to SDNU:
Next Salang touched on the subject of members’ contributions to the union so that it can achieve a higher plane of success.
“I ask myself how much have I contributed or helped the union; and if all of us put our efforts collectively I am sure the union will do much to help the Dayak community.
“Our union is just like a bandong (a big boat). One person will not be able to paddle it, but if all of us paddle it, it will move where we want it to go.
“We must not question who is our captain or ‘juragan’ of the boat otherwise our boat will be stranded,” he stressed.
Two things he mentioned very clearly.
(i) Don’t bring politics into the Union
(ii) What is your contribution to the Union?
Don’t bring politics to the union:
Salang said that the Union has never been involved in politics and it should be kept that way. Some of the members, he said, might be involved in politics, but that was their personal involvement.
“You cannot blame them for being in politics, although they may hold office as president, deputy president, secretary and committee members. And your political leaning is your own business. Some of us are in BN just like me; others are in the opposition.
“Why should people like me want to bring SDNU to BN and others to Opposition?” he asked and said: “We cannot force people to follow your parties.”
Salang added: “Whether you are in the opposition and I am in the BN, there is no reason why we cannot make the union as the centre of our cultural unity.”
Our contribution to SDNU:
Next Salang touched on the subject of members’ contributions to the union so that it can achieve a higher plane of success.
“I ask myself how much have I contributed or helped the union; and if all of us put our efforts collectively I am sure the union will do much to help the Dayak community.
“Our union is just like a bandong (a big boat). One person will not be able to paddle it, but if all of us paddle it, it will move where we want it to go.
“We must not question who is our captain or ‘juragan’ of the boat otherwise our boat will be stranded,” he stressed.
The Broken Shield’s Observation:
I notice few things were not right at this TGA. May be I see them through a reporter’s eyes. Firstly, there was an inadequate publicity in the papers, so not many Dayaks even in Kuching knew about it. (I was one of them). It is important that this type of meeting, the triennial general meeting, should be given ample publicity, unless of course you do not want other Dayaks to know. But I thought SDNU represent the Dayak community!
Secondly, there was a miscommunication between the deputy minister and the organisers. There was no proper invitation, according to Salang. He was informed to come at 9.30 a.m to open the meeting and when he arrived, nobody was there to welcome him, He was then invited to sit with us – me, Tajem and a few others at a coffeehouse.
Guests, delegates and observers should arrive at 8.30 a.m, and the president should arrive at 8.45 a.m. But the president arrived at 10.00 a.m. So the deputy minister was waiting for half an hour and I can see he was not happy as he mentioned during the speech that people used to complain “baka nganti menteri, tang sekalitu, kitai nganti president. Aku ukai nyindir president.”
Thirdly, the backdrop mentioned that Salang was “the Minister of Information, Communication and Culture.” Albert Anggie saw it and asked it to be corrected.
I am sure there were committee members who have been appointed to head certain sub-committees such as publicity sub-committee, welcoming sub-committee, food and drinks sub-committee, etc.
Although these are seemingly small things, they reflect badly on our community in organising any function. Something for all of us to ponder? – The Broken Shield
Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com
30 comments:
It is certainly an embarassement to the organisers for this simple but yet significant slip up. I suppose they had too many members who wants to be Generals and not so many Corporals or Prebets. The SDNU website was also not updated or an awareness of the recent elections. This Dayak union will be leading the Dayaks to the 21st Century as they aptly put it in their vision - so organise something that is of first class standard.Another example of Cakap tak Serupa Bikin? Especially like you mentioned, the Minister had to wait for the President.....luckily it was Datuk Salang. If the CM has to launch it? Let's just say....protocolwise,somehing is not correct even though the AJK members comprise of some senior Government officers who could have helped in coordination. Not a good start if you ask me....
SDNU is not represent Dayak....it represent Mengga & John Brian...they decide everything...never listen to grassroot opinion...enti enda sama penemu or opinion dalam meeting lalu ka nganu org...the President shud go.....same with Tajem & John Brian....
apoo deh....
For a dayak leader to say “We must not question who is our captain or ‘juragan’ of the boat otherwise our boat will be stranded,” is the best dayak joke so far this year!
Its like the blind leading the blind. One of herd mentality just following orders.
No wonder we dayaks are paddling around in circle, paddling to nowhere because everyone one of us wants to be the juragan.
The organising committees did not finalize the programmes well.
Was the construction of Rumah Dayak at Jalan Satok discussed in the meeting? Hopefully, the site is not a breeding ground for mosquitoes and not a pond for frogs to sing their favourite song " aak..aak..aak.."
Under the Federal Constitution all citizens have the right to form an association and its members are free to support any political party.
sdnu is a dead organisation. The members are all thick head and they don't care where sdnu go.
Dear Jetty,
I think it would be wise not to comment in your own blog when you write any posting becos, when you comment you are already putting words into our mouth.
Like MT,chedet or others, they write posting but not comment and let the readers write the comments. In these way we can see the pros and cons of the posting.
Lately I see alot of comments that are written and these have resulted in generating almost the same comments which makes the posting one sided.
Take note that your lately posting are getting more dull.Please post more educational posting,gov't dirty linens,jobs opportunities etc. This will liven up your blog. Thanks.
Watch out everyone!!
BN is trying to paralyze and destroy any dayak organization like SDNU so that they can divide and rule forever.
Royal Dayak,
If I were you I should join SDNU and fought for the post in it. Let see whether you can get through. Talking is easy, my dear!
Mr. Anonymous January 31st,2010 @ 6.52PM,
Hi Mr,
Why don`t you start your own blog and let see how good is your article.
I think SDNU top leaders are paranoid...
Pls do your housekeeping first before taking on the rest of the world...
Rigang-rigang minta senakut ka orang..jgn syok sendiri la brother!
“We must not question who is our captain or ‘juragan’ of the boat otherwise our boat will be stranded,” I didn't remember Salang saying that.
BUT he did say "Make your boat is floating and not stranded (tepanggai) so that you all can paddle it. To me it means that SDNU members and leaders should place as their top priority the agenda of setting aside their differences (be it political or personal) first before anything else. Only then we talk about unity.
The President's opening speech really shocked a lot of delegates attending the TGA including the VIPs & observers who didn't have a slightest idea of what he meant. Some even contemplated walking out from the room.
Probably, he was late because he was still writing the speech - it was a memorable speech in an intimidating sort of way.
Hi BS Blogger,
Your article on the SDNU TGA is an interesting read, and congratulation on your balanced view in highlighting the failure of SDNU for a poorly organised TGA, and policy failures of the SACLRA in your previous article “No fear or favour”. For its mistake, the SDNU’S opponents would no doubt take this opportunity to humiliate it and further argue their case for it to be dismantled as an organisation and to split the Dayak community. At the same breath, this is also an opportunity for SDNU to show its mantle as a strong and mature organisation. The mistake made by SDNU for a poorly organised TGA should not be taken as a weakness or a major failure; it should be seen as building-block for its strength for continuous improvement. In any organisation, when ever there is failure or a mistake made, there will always be someone to blame. At times, ego can be bruised, but there should not be any blame game. For any transparent organisation, the Executives are accountable for any failure and this should be addressed openly, and this could include a letter of apology, particular from the President, to clearly spill out how the mistake was made, and how this will be rectified so it must not happen again. After all, “the buck stops with me……..when the system fails, it is my responsibility”, as President Barack Obama said on his apology speech on the failure of USA security to detect a terrorist to blow up the aeroplane just before Christmas last year. The SDNU should be given a full support as non-government organisation (NGO), and the more there are Dayak-based NGOs, the better it will be for the Dayak community to get ready access of information and advice that are pertinent to them in this rapidly changing and challenging global market. I hope this mistake will become a learning process for SDNU and may help to reinvigorate itself as a bigger player for the advancement of Dayak community. And to BS, please keep up the good work and maintain your integrity as a source of balanced information.
Sama bertulung meh bala kita Dayak!
Ni teks ucapan sida Menteri enggau Presiden SDNU? Nadai pin di website sida ia? Ka bisi aja sida kendidet ke ka nyadi Exco di Dayakbaru. Nama penyadi sida ia nya udah sida berpilih ke tiga taun lepas udah sanu Presiden Mikui nyadi Presiden? Nama pemansang dipeda kitai?
Rumah Dayak nyadi projik antu?
Ke maioh agi berita ke sida Komiti nemuai ke Kalimantan Barat...
Bisi nguntung ke sida Dayak di Sarawak?
Kada enda makin sakit sida tu ila...tiga taun suba kumbai aku ulih maju kitai tang nadai munyi pin....maju agi sida di DBNA peda aku....ninga rita sida ia pin makin mansang.
Maya Presiden berjako dalam TGA nya, nadai seleka jako Iban dikena ia....taja ka nyadi Dayak Moden, anang ga mai jako ribai.....kni penunga kita dibai sida komiti baru tu.....nadai kitai nemu...irau aku.
Dear Chakui Chabu, talk is easy? SDNU maioh talks nadai pen pemansang....bullshit!...then anang ngaga SDNU agik....asuh bedango ajak bala nuan diak....SDNU is not for Dayak...SDNU is for Iban...uji peda majoriti Iban..power crazy sluts...
Royal Dayak,
Why jealous?
SDNU`s constitution is for dayaks to be members, not merely for Ibans. Ya, it seems that the association is dominated by Iban intellectuals.
Are our Iban ministers power crazy too?
Amai ko nuan nya Jetty. Sida ia berpilih maya TGA tu main senyap senyap. Nadai berpalu gong baka ketiga taun nyin suba. Senyap senyap berpilih ngambi ke sida ia ulih mijai parti baru...urang lama ke suba dibuai sida tauka enda dalam senarai sida ia agi baka sida Thaddeus enggau bala bukai. Nama kabuah ney? Engka sida ia nya enda nemu berbintis kini. Temu aku sida ke dalam komiti lama nyau diatu enda dipilih dalam komiti baru...nama kebuah neh...sida ia dikelala aku aktif engau ulih meri penemu...engka enda ulih nitih rentak sida ke tuai SDNU kini....
Taja Lutor Brian madah bisi 'Miscomunication'...pia meh...manah amai alasan nya. Semua pengawa salah diatur ila laban Miscominication meh. Nyamai nyebut..... nganu orang nemu...maya diri empu dianu, dikritik lalu disebut Miscomunication. Urang bukai enda tau gila kuasa, sida ia empu tau gila kuasa....Porachit pia....
MissComm, I agree with u..enti kritik org bukai pandai amat Jun & Menga..enti org kritik sidak iya kalat2 ringat...peda nn Chakui Cabu...aku enda jeles...tang SDNU nadai penunga..semua org ulih bejako & ngaga plan..but to materialise it? porrahhh...still agree with Joseph Salang anang kelalu bepolitik alam NGO...uji ngaga roadshow seluruh sarawak..ngaga pasal education, baka ni ka ngulih loan enti ka business, pertanian etc...menga, jun beraian,tajem org lama2 dah nadai penemu they shud get out...enti ka belaya no 1 sidak tuk..nadai ka ngemaju ka bansa dayak..SDNU kelalu keibanan nya kebuah dayak bukai enggai enggau SDNU..poorrahhh...ngasuh ROS buai ajak SDNU..gila kuasa..bedau agik nyadi YB baru presiden or commitee dalam NGO dah enda sepenemu...aram raban biak boycott SDNU....nadai penuju...
Royal Dayak,
Are you angry with SDNU or angry with all members in SDNU including Datuk Empiang and SIDs aligned to her?
I suggest you to form a political party and let see how many members you can get. Talk is easy, Dayak boy.
SDNU is good at organising kumnag and keling contest. Come this Gawai the same thing will happen, Keling and kumang contest. But when it comes to the very dayak issues like NCR, the rumah dayak and so on and what not, nadai jalai. About the TGA, well this is the case where everybody presume somebody is doing some thing, But in fact nobody is doing anything. The juragan should be accountable for such a show.Also SDNU ka amat meting meting but at the end of the day nothing.
Yep that's right....only good to organise Kumang & Keling competition, dinner, dah nya ke pub sidak iya naban ka bansa kitai empu...apa lagi check in lah..baka sidak Chakui Chabu....as i said SDNU is for Iban ke gila kuasa not for Dayak... dah nya naban ka artis Iban sidak iya enggau menteri..alah biasa lah...SDNU kan Sumpah Dayak Nadai Utai...bubarkan ajak SDNU tuk....aram rebak baru anang masuk SDNU..lak ka sidak bala ke tuai ajak diak...lak ka megai sampai parai...aku nadai nyebut pasal Empiang in my previous post..so that's mean sapa ka makai cabi, iya meh ngasai ka pedas hehehehehe...diak meh nuan Chakui enggau bala SDNU bukai..nyalak baka uduk di SDNU..talk only no action..din kitak duduk sebelah kedai kupi berandau pasal politik...ngemalu ka NGO maik nama Dayak...pooraahhh ptuui..
Royal Dayak,
You were angry with SDNU, so you also were angry with all its members, aren`t you?
What is wrong with SDNU to organise kumang and keling competition, one of our culture and costume? Perhaps you like to see a Dayak association is organising `ngirup cap langkau`, do you? If that being so, how dare you disguise as Royal Dayak, instead you should use Dayak Tuyu, will you?
Dear Chakui,
It's not wrong to organise it..but naka nya ajak meh pemandai kitak d SDNU piak?????..organise pekit Keling Kumang enggau dinner bepupu ka duit???..so nadai guna meh SDNU nyadi NGO..manah agik nyadi kelab kebudayaan ajak..padah ka kami nama utai dah di gaga kitak kena improve bansa dayak?..taikkkkkk...of course I'm angry laban SDNU ngena nama Dayak..tang siti pen nadai meh penguntung kena ngemaju ka bansa dah d gaga kitak....don't put Dayak at SDNU..put SMenggaNU or SJohnMU or STajemNU...kami new generation not stupid like u all in SDNU ke gila kuasa dalam parti & show off enti bisi megai opangkat dalam parti..poorrrahhh..
Interesting read...what happened to the SDNU Official website or SDNU Online? I thought they changed it to Sarawak DayakBaru National Union since the Publicity Officer wrote it elegantly in his DayakBaru style. I assume that it will soon be Sarawak Dusit National Union when our smart Dusit starts to pen his ideas in the same line as the Sarawak Dayak Graduates website - more inspirational and less posts sounding oneupmanship.
I am anticipating some sign of brilliance in the association with Dusit's input. SDNU Online website going stale even after the TGA reflects badly on the association. Even the news are 'basi' news reflecting some form of stagnancy on the part of the people in there? That is what happens when Dayaks puts politics and ego as priority.
Dayak Tuyu,
O.K. you win. Besai amat batang rekong nuan. At least Dr. John Brian and Datuk Tajem are more qualified than you. You passed your SPM? I doubt.
Chakui chabu beauty contest is an imported culture. In the olden days ne bisi pakit kumang and keling. People were bz farming and ngayau. What show of costume... if you want to show it then use it everyday like in the olden days. If once a year you want to show costume then forget about it. Better go to the musuem or SCV. Please SDNU do something practical and benefiting to the dayaks.
Mr. Anonymous,
Good, you suggested we preserve everything in the olden days. Men dress in cawat and women top-less.
Chakui...see...dayak baka nn enda ulih kena kritik..alu ringat....nama ka amat ngetan ka SDNU enti pemansang economy, education & culture Dayak pen nadai ulih d gaga sidak iya...alu kerah2 ka masuk politik...buka mata besai2, use your brain..anang enggau org main ba panas enti enda tan..kin main d baruh pun kayu kitak...ngelak ka kami rebak baru nentu ka penuju Dayak...Mengga, John & Tajem asuh main dango & nyaga uchuk sidak iya umbas meh..
Dayak Tuyu (Mr. Anonymous),
Kid like you only qualify to fly a kite, lah. Do you have money to involve actively in politics?
Just preserve your favourite appearances - bungai terung tattoos all over your body, unhealthy long hair lalu bersanggul, pending di tebuk lubang, besirat lalu ngena gigi mas. Yeah, that is a custome in the olden days as suggested by you to be preserved.
If most Iban ministers supporting SDNU, why you against it damn stupid? I suggest you form an association with monkies in the jungle. I am sorry if I hurt you, kid.
chakui chabu,
I am speehless of your stupidity. SDNU can do more if it is not for political motives, And as such no politicians or there konco should be in. Let it be run by professional. There are alot of professional qualified dayak to run the show
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