Jabu, the recycled minister?

According to The Borneo Post dated March 6, 2011, Deputy Chief Minister and Deputy President of PBB Alfred Jabu Anak Numpang, took a swipe at state PKR chairman Baru Bian and Sarawak National Party advisor Dato Sri Daniel Tajem whom he said are ‘defeated candidates’.

Speaking at the BN convention, where he and everyone ‘apple-polished’ Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, Jabu has been recycling his facts and answers for hundreds of times.

He blamed Anwar Ibrahim for not knowing Iban Adat; he blamed DAP for against the development of NCR land; he also blamed DAP for not praising the Dayak heroes in fighting the communists, and etc.

He has been blaming Tajem for failing to develop 30,000 to 40,000 acres of land from Lingga, Sebuyau till Simunjan when he was Deputy Chief Minister. Tajem was appointed Deputy Chief Minister from 2 October 1980 and until Ming Court affair 10 March 1987 (slightly more than six years).

Jabu did not mention to develop the land for what? Was it oil palm? Oil palm only came to be aggressively implemented well after Tajem had left the political scene.

Even if Tajem did not develop the land or had not done as expected of him, what has Jabu done to rectify the so-called mistakes committed by Tajem.

What has happened to the Lingga-Simanggang Road that was proposed by Tajem then? What has Jabu done about the road when he was Minister of Communications and Work?

The man who continuously accuses others of not doing anything is, in fact, trying to cover his own wrong doings, his own failures and his own weaknesses.

The list of Jabu’s failures starts from his own Layar constituency which he has represented for more than 37 years – from lack of roads, to clean water and electricity; the failures of fish mart, the fish fry projects, the kepayang project, cold storage project, the regional growth centres, the fertilizer factory, and the list goes on and on.

How many Iban millionaires has he created? How many Iban students have been given the Sarawak Foundation scholarships? How many thousands of acres of NCR land belonging to other Ibans have been given to his cronies including his son? And many, many questions need answers which are connected to his failures.

But whatever it is, Jabu is good in quarrelling with SDNU, SADIA, SDGA and DCCI. He does not like Iban NGOs other than his wife’s Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak.

Do you think it is abused of power or not to give financial grants from his ministry’s funds to his wife’s SIDS. That happened recently in Miri.

The other good thing about him is that he is an effective cat’s-paw of the chief minister.

Economist warns of serious economic repercussions

(This article was first published in the Free Malaysia Today and has been updated and produced here for the readers of The Broken Shield).

KUCHING: An economist with University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) has warned of serious economic repercussions in the State if there are insufficient funds to create and implement economic activities alongside projects planned in the 10th Malaysia Plan.

“Where there are mega projects such as a heavy industry, hydro projects, construction of highways and SCORE projects being implemented in Sarawak in the 10MP, there should be sufficient funds to finance, create and implement economic projects alongside these projects.

“This is to avoid the failures and the experiences in Batang Ai and in Bakun,” said Professor Dr. Dimbab Ngidang at a paper presented at a recent seminar organised by Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).

Sarawak’s Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud opened the one-day seminar. Five papers were presented.

“We must learn from the past experiences in Batang Ai and Asap in Bakun. The SALCRA farm scheme in Batang Ai does not generate enough income for setters there nor does the resettlement scheme for settlers in Asap, let alone generating high income earning.

“I am not saying that they are not without income; they lack expanded economic opportunities to earn extra income. When resettlement scheme at Tunu (Kapit) is implemented there is also a strong possibility that settlers there will not likely to earn sufficient income like their counterparts in Batang Ai and Asap.

“This is why sufficient federal funding should be allocated to help the state government creates diversified high income generating economic activities for communities directly affected by mega projects,” he said.

Dimbab said: “Now, the same rationale of people-oriented approach in NEP should also be invoked for creating economic activities in order to expand economic opportunities for the affected communities not only in SCORE, but also alongside all government-funded development projects elsewhere.

“When the nation-state invokes a positive discrimination approach, it is not impossible for rural people to capture a fair distribution of socio-economic benefits and/or spin-off effects of the construction of HEP dams, establishment of heavy industry, infrastructures (roads) and modern facilities cutting across the hinterlands of Sarawak.

“That tall order of social responsibility has been discharged in NEP and should be continued for the sake of inclusiveness in the high income policy in NEM so that people in the peripheries are brought into the fold of mainstream economic development.

“Therefore, mixing the correct ingredients in a balancing act between striving for economic growth and inclusiveness of rural peripheries in NEM to create high economy is certainly for the interest of the nation-state so that the lower income groups especially in rural areas are not being left out in the 10MP and beyond,” he said.

Dimbab related a story how 3,600 people were displaced in 1982 as a result of the construction of the hydroelectric power (HEP) dam at Batang Ai, Sri Aman Division.

About 1,595 families were resettled in the land scheme in 1982, of which each family was allocated 4.5 hectares of farmland: 2 hectares of rubber, 1.2 hectares of cocoa and 0.4 hectares for a garden plot, whereas the remaining 0.8 hectare for rice cultivation is yet to be given.

The cocoa farm scheme was abandoned after cocoa price plunged in the 1980s and has been replanted with oil palm. Although the resettlement scheme provided facilities and infrastructure, the farm scheme has not been able to provide a sustainable income for the settlers, and the lack land for rice cultivation seems to add to the problem of food insecurity.

The aquaculture project in Batang Ai has long been discontinued for lack of funding and found to be not economically viable to run due to high cost of feed and limited market outlets.

He said that in the 1990s, 15 longhouses, comprising Kayan, Kenyah, Kajang, Ukit and Penan people with a total affected population of 9,4289 were resettled at Asap, Belaga district in Kapit Division. Three acres of land were allocated per household at Asap resettlement scheme.

He said: “In short, there are very little economic activities in these government-created resettlement schemes today. The same argument of insufficient income also befalls all these schemes; they are not with income, but not adequate enough for supporting sustainable livelihood.

“Perhaps, a thorough assessment of these projects is also necessary. Given the sacrifices they have rendered to the nation-state over the years, surely the existing critical mass in the above-mentioned schemes deserve special attention in terms of federal allocation for implementing affirmative action programs in the 10MP.

“Federal funding is crucial to help create economic activities in these resettlement schemes whether in the form of cottage industry, aquaculture, commercial orchards and vegetable production or food processing, etc., with supporting technical advisory services by relevant agencies and a guaranteed market for their products,” he said.

Just wondering …..

The presence of Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud and his Deputy Alfred Jabu Anak Numpang at the join the Gawai-Kaamatan celebration on 26 June 2010 organised by Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) at the Borneo Convention Centre, Kuching surprised many an observer.

Since DCCI was formed in April 2002 at a seminar by the Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association, Taib and Jabu did not like the idea. No reason was given. Perhaps the idea did not come from them. Or perhaps they were not consulted.

Those from PBB who were involved were not only pressured to resign, but were also asked and sponsored to form another Dayak chamber of commerce. And for those who did not “obey the order” were made to suffer in terms of business, etc. One such person is Datuk Amar Linggi Jugah. Another person who was then the president of Sarawak Dayak graduates Association, Pro. Dr. Dimbab Ngidang was fouled on the slightest “mistake”.

Any way, the idea of forming a chamber of commerce for the Dayak community that was mooted at the seminar in Kuala Lumpur organised by Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association and INDEP (Sabah). It was organised under the sponsorship of Bernard Dumpok and Leo Moggie, both Federal Ministers. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad officially launched the seminar.

Taib and Jabu were invited to attend. Initially they refused to attend. But upon learning that the Prime Minister Mahathir was to officially launch the seminar, both Taib and Jabu made an unannounced arrival at the seminar. I was there and saw the organisers in a “kelam-kabut” situation and they had to pull chairs from somewhere for them to sit on.

From thereon, the relationship between SDGA which was then headed by Professor Dr. Dimbab Ngidang and DCCI headed by Datuk Amar Linggi with the State Government worsened.

Fortunately, SDGA and DCCI have a good relationship with the Federal Government even during the time when Abdullah Ahmad Badawi became Prime Minister. And during those days the two organisations were under constant “attack” by the State leaders especially by Jabu. Whatever functions they organised especially the joint gawai-kaamatan celebrations and seminars not only they did not receive any support from the State government, but their leaders were criticised and condemned.

But this, 2010 (after eight years of “mouse-cat” relationships), Taib and Jabu became the “toast” of the DCCI seminar organisers.

No doubt it is good that they (DCCI and the government) are in good terms. And they should be congratulated for this. Forgive and Forget.

We know both DCCI and the State government need one another. For DCCI, there is the 10MP to think about and the business opportunities for its members. To Taib and Jabu, there is the coming State election also to think about. Being Dayak-based, DCCI can help the State BN to influence the Dayak voters in the rural areas to vote the BN candidates.

The rural constituencies, about 29 Dayak majority out of 71, will certainly become the BN’s “fixed deposits” in the coming election. The urban “fixed deposits” are slowly depleting. The results of the 2006 state election and the Sibu by-election are examples of this depletion. The BN component parties especially SUPP are damned worried about this trend.

I believe that “you scratch my back, I will scratch yours” is what was happening at the function. Don’t you see it? – The Broken Shield

Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

Saloi the Movie

KUCHING – Among the Iban folklore, Apai Saloi is a well-known person both for his stupidity and comedy, but when he is known as Sabaginda Bujang, he is noted for his intelligence and bravery. Even legendary heroes like Keling, Sampurai, Bungai Nuing and Pandak Sagatak have high regard for him.

But his son Saloi is a different personality.

Allen Tinggie Trading Sdn Bhd of Sarikei has come up with a film to introduce Apai Saloi and his son in a movie – Saloi the Movie.

Joseph Allen, producer of the film, said that a soft launching will be held at the Kuching Park Hotel over a dinner at 7.30 p.m. on 14 February 2010 (Sunday).

Allan said a grand launching will be held later on at a different venue, after which it will be screened at “Panggong Wayang”.

The one and half hour “Saloi the movie” in Iban language is believed to be the first Iban film to be screened at cinemas.

Allan called on Iban organisations such as Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA), Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA), Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) to support the film by buying tables at the soft launching.

Each table is priced at RM500.00. Tickets are still available from Joseph Allen – HP 019-8154707. – The Broken Shield

Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

Visit Saloi the Movie in Facebook > http://www.facebook.com/pages/SALOI-THE-MOVIE/305258406678

Issues that should have been discussed with Najib!

While Najib’s meeting with the Dayak Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) leaders was held in total secrecy, it created some sort of history for the deputy prime minister to meet Dayak leaders in the 45 years of the existence of the federation of Malaysia.

It was obvious that the 60-minute meeting had got something to do with the grumblings and grouses of the Dayak people who feel that they have been marginalized, oppressed and suppressed by both the federal and state authorities.

As it was an historic occasion, the DCCI is not wholly representative of the Dayak community; it represents only its members and the Dayak business community. Apart from the lack of business opportunities and government contracts given to Dayak businessmen, there are also equally important questions of development, recruitment to the civil service, education and scholarships as well as problems of NCR land grabbing by companies. All these need answers and this was an opportunity afforded to us to discuss these issues with the DPM.

It was a great pity that other Dayak organisations such as the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA) and the Orang Ulu National Association (OUNA) were not included in the meeting to voice out their problems, concerns and aspirations. At least the Dayaks, despite in the minority, could have presented a united front.

For the Bidayuh community, they were a bit lucky; the programme was arranged in such a way as if to seemingly give the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), the Dayak Bidayuh Graduates Association and Bidayuh leaders a special treatment in terms of length of time of meeting the DPM as well as the financial assistance given.

Was the "special treatment" given to the Bidayuhs because they are BN-friendly? Or was it an attempt by the State authorities to spite the other Dayak communities? Or to further divide DBNA, SDNU, SADIA and OUNA? These are some of the questions the Dayaks are asking themselves?

But I see the public relations gesture by the BN government as part of the effort to pacify the angry Bidayuhs, firstly over the absence of representation in the federal cabinet and over the construction of the Bengoh dam. They have protested over the construction of the dam where four ‘kampongs’ are to be removed and resettled in an area to be named as Medan Tun Razak. Their anger was directed at their YBs who are too eager doing the apple polishing duties.

Although they are seemingly BN-friendly, the BN government is worried that the Bidayuhs, like the Ibans, Penans and other ethnic groups, have started to “wake up” from their deep political slumber and are demanding for their rights. Adding to BN government’s worry is the fact that their protests have been exploited by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). Now a substantial number of Bidayuhs especially the younger and intellectual ones have now become PKR members. Their target is to contest in the six Bidayuh majority seats.

The absence of Dayak leaders like Alfred Jabu of the State government in the meeting was something not quite right; it is obvious in the eyes and minds of Najib as well as the public particularly the Dayaks that Jabu is anti-DCCI. But on the other hand it was also good that Jabu was absent otherwise he would claim later on that it was his efforts.

But if Jabu was absent, why was George Chan present at the meeting? After all, the meeting was between the DPM and DCCI regarding federal projects and contracts. Was Chan sent by his 'boss' to monitor what was being said or offered to DCCI?

Chan’s remarks at the meeting were hurtful, but it was the truth when he said that federal government contracts and the major portion of business opportunities given through the State machinery first went to the Malays, and then to the Chinese and third to Dayaks. Najib, who was seemingly stunned to hear such remarks, turned to Leo whether it was true. Leo carefully chose his words by saying the Dayaks started late in business.

Actually what was said by Chan seemed to confirm that Dayaks have been sidelined in practically all fields of endeavour all this while.

One silver lining is that Najib has promised to look into the Dayaks’ grouses and will include them in the mini-budget to be presented on 10 March 2009. - The Broken Shield

Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

Najib to meet Dayak Leaders

Issues affecting the Dayak Community, including equity participation, development and business opportunities are likely to be discussed when Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak meets leaders of Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) this Friday, 13 February 2009 in Kuching. He will also meet Bidayuh leaders.

Najib who will become Prime Minister of Malaysia next month must have heard the grumblings and the grouses of the Dayaks that nothing is for them under the Ninth Malaysian Plan (9MP)despite the pleading and the proposals submitted by the DCCI.

One Dayak Member of Parliament was so angry when he read that there was no proposal for a road construction included in the Plan for his Division that he threw away the book containing all the proposals to the floor. The MP and his predecessors had been fighting for the road construction for the past 45 years. His anger is therefore understandable.

Since he took over as Finance Minister, Najib has introduced RM7 billion for development purposes in order to cushion the Malaysian economy from deepening global credit crisis. He is considering the second stimulus package of about RM10 billion in order to help support domestic demand growth and eventually cushion the impact.

Some of this money will be channeled to Sarawak. But the bulk of this money is expected to be used to develop coastal areas under the Sarawak Corridor Renewal Energy (SCORE) and Betong. Such infusion of massive amount of money into the State will not benefit the Dayaks and this is where the DCCI must tell Najib.

Tan Sri Leo Moggie, DCCI chairman, who is expected to lead the delegation which includes DCCI advisers Datuk Amar Leonard Linggi Jugah and Datuk Sri Celestine Ujang should have heart to heart talks with Najib and they must speak up their minds and tell the truth of Dayak problems including NCR land issues.

It will be better if Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Chief Minister and Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, Deputy Chief Minister and senior Dayak minister are to be present in the meeting so that they will know how the Dayaks feel about Taib’s “politics of development”.

On SCORE, Moggie must also tell Najib how Dayaks can fit into the proposed mega projects to be implemented in the heartland of the Dayak people. According to memorandums of understanding, SCORE projects are given to companies connected to Taib’s cronies and family members. It is our hope that Dayaks should play bigger roles than mere coolies.

On 11 February 2008, 12 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and one agreement were signed at Bintulu Promenade, Sarawak involving 25 companies with a gross value of RM107.1 billion. The following are the companies:

· Agreement signed between Acacacia Cellulose International Sdn Bhd (Acacell) and Sarawak Planted Forest Sdn Bhd (SPF) for SPF to deliver approximately 4 million metric tones per annum of pulpwood to Acacell worth RM0.3328 billion.

· MOU1 signed between Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) and Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) to establish the commitment, understanding between TNB and SEB and provide the structure and basis for collaboration. RM50 billion.

· MOU2 signed between SEB and Sime Darby Bhd to undertake the implementation of the 2400MW Bakun Hydroelectric Power Plant and the construction of the transmission lines including the dual submarine transmission cables to link the project to Peninsular Malaysia. RM22 billion.

· MOU3 signed between SEB and consortium: RHB Islamic Bank, UnicornInt. Islamic Bank M’sia Bhd and Kuwait Finance House M’sia Bhd to further develop the generation and transmission of energy in Sarawak. RM20 billion.

· MOU4 signed between SEB and Cahya Mata Sarawak (CMS)/Rio Tinto Aluminium Ltd (RTA) for SEB to supply power (900MW to 1200MW) to the proposed Aluminium smelter plant in Similajau. RM5.25 billion.

· MOU5 signed between Similajau Industries Sdn Bhd and GIIG Holdings Sdn Bhd & Pan Kingdom Investment Co. to develop a fully integrated Steel Cluster including palletizing plant, direct reduction plant, melt shop, slab/bloom/billet casters and rolling mill. RM4.8 billion.

· MOU6 signed between SEB and Press Metal Berhad (PMB) for SEB to supply additional 510 MW to PMB proposed Aluminium Smelting Plant in Mukah by July 2010. RM2.5 billion.

· MOU7 signed between Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and Zincox Resources PLC, England to establish understanding between Zincox and BDA to set up Zinc Electro-Refinery Plant in Bintulu. RM1.12 billion.

· MOU8 signed between Carbon Capital Corporation Sdn Bhd and Japan Carbon Mercantile Co. Ltd. to invest and develop Biodiesel Plant, Feedstock Plantation & Associated Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects. RM0.96 billion.

· MOU9 signed between Konsortium Galdasar Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) and Yuh Yow Fishery Co. Ltd (Kaohsiung Tawan R.O.C) to set up Integrated Aquaculture project (800ha) at Tanjong Manis, setting up of hatchery, production centre, R&D centre, processing of aquaculture produce & marketing. RM0.1 billion.

· MOU10 signed between Konsortium Galdasar Sdn Bhd (Malaysia) and She Chui Oceanic Enterprise Co. Ltd (Kaohsiung Taiwan R.O.C) for shipbuilding project at Tanjung Manis, manufacturing of tuna & deep sea fishing vessels, repair & maintenance of fishing vessels. RM0.04 billion.

· MOU11 signed between Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd (CMS) & Rio Tinto Aluminium Limited (RTA) and ICATS/PPKS for ICATS/PPKS to provide training for Sarawak Aluminium Company (SALCO) technical staff. Amount not specified.

· MOU12 signed between Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd (CMS) & Rio Tinto Aluminium Limited (RTA) and Aluminium Pechiney for Aluminium Pechiney to supply technology to Sarawak Aluminium Company (SALCO). Amount not specified.

Can Dayak companies score in SCORE? – The Broken Shield

The Jabu condemnation: who will be next?

It is Alfred Jabu’s habit to condemn Dayaks who do not “kow-tow” to him. Since he became YB and minister in 1974, he had been criticising his own people and his choice of words is always similar: anti-establishment, anti-development, instigators, ungrateful, what have you done to help the community, you know how to criticise, etc.

When the defunct Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) was in the opposition, its leaders - Leo Moggie, Daniel Tajem, Edmund Langgu, Jawi Masing, James Masing, and the late Joseph Samuel, – had also been condemned by Jabu. He had also criticised leaders of Sarawak National Party (SNAP) such as the late Stephen Kalong Ningkan, Dunstan Endawie, Edwin Dundang, Justine Jinggut, Stanley Jugol, etc.

All Dayaks’ non-governmental organisations (NGOs) – Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA), Sarawak Dayak Graduate Association (SDGA), Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) and Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) – have been at the receiving end of his ‘loquacious’ mouth (baka mulut indu).

A couple of days ago, he chided SDNU and SADIA for not praising him and SALCRA for helping the Dayak community. And today, 8 Dec 2008 (according to The Borneo Post), he accused bloggers of discrediting him and SALCRA, instigating the people to go against the government and hampering its efforts by abusing and misusing the internet.

He said: “They blog every day and night but have done nothing for the people. They only talk”.

It is true we have done nothing in term of physical development. But our job is to help change the mindset of the people and help them to know their rights especially their customary rights over land that had been created by their forefathers centuries ago.

As a minister Jabu is in a better position to help the people as he has the federal and state funds at his finger tips. But yet he has failed miserably as many of his projects (kononnya) to help the Dayaks have become white elephants. Perhaps only SALCRA appears to be doing much better than many of his projects. But then he is not the originator of the project.

No doubt some SALCRA participants have received some substantial amount of money from its dividends and bonuses, but the bulk of such money goes to some rich Dayaks and non-Dayaks, while some of the poor Dayak participants receive as little as RM2.70 as dividends. One non-Dayak in Saratok, for example, has received over RM500,000 in dividends last year because some scheme participants have sold their land and shares to the 'Chinaman'. Did Jabu speak about him as a successful SALCRA participant?

On development, it is undeniable that Jabu has brought some development projects to Betong which is under his constituency. But that is Betong only. What about other Dayak areas? In fact some money meant for projects in other divisions have been diverted to Betong.

His political enemies have accused Jabu of only having interests in the development of politics and business for his family and cronies. For example, who is this Gerald Rentap who owns Utahol Sdn Bhd that has been given 6,900 hectares of land, Ulu Medamit, Limbang for the planting of oil palm? And who is this Robert Lawson Chuat who owns Durafarm which was given land totalling 1501.825 hectares at Tanjong Bijat and Skrang Land districts and 3665.1 hectares of land in Betong? And what about Henry Jantum’s Ever Herald Sdn Bhd that was given 2,127 hectares of land of Batang Layar/Batang Lupar land district and another 2,873 hectares of Sablor and Sebelak land districts in Betong?

The way I see it, the more Jabu criticises and condemns people from his community the more he will be isolated and the more people hate him. Now after criticising the Dayak bloggers, who will be his next targets? - The Broken Shield

Source: www.thebrokenshield.blogspot.com

Response from other blogs:

1. http://selangaump2008.blogspot.com/2008/12/datuk-patinggi-alfred-jabu-wants.html
2. http://dayakbaru.com/weblog08/?p=1071

Dayak Ministers do not support DAMA

The efforts by the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) to introduce Dayak Music Awards (DAMA) which was held on 27 September 2008 at Crowne Plaza Riverside Hotel, Kuching in recognition of Dayak musicians – singers, composers and lyricists – were both noble and commendable.

Presented after the style of the most prestigious Grammy Awards, DAMA hopes to inject quality and professionalism among the Dayak musicians. Hitherto, some of the so-called Dayak songs lack originality as they are copied from Malay, Indonesian and Hindustani songs with many of them having Malay words used in the lyrics. Let me give an example: “burong punggok nyabak ka bulan” which should have been “burong tunggok nyabak ka bulan” in Iban; “selindang” should have been “selampai”, etc.

There again the Iban and Malay spellings are mixed up. For instance, “baka kucing enggau cit” should have been “baka kuching enggau chit”. And there are many examples of these mixed-up spellings in CDs, VCDs and DVDs. The Malay spelling does not have “ch”, while the Iban spelling maintains the “ch” in order to differentiate between the systems of spelling.

In an attempt to really raise the quality of Iban songs in particular, a body or a committee should be set up to look into all these “impurities” in Iban songs.

If this body can be set up, then the Dayak music is not only an art and a form of entertainment among the Dayaks, but also it is a big money-spinner. Imagine we have eight million Dayaks throughout Pulau Borneo as possible clients. Some non-Dayak businessmen have seen these prospects and have indeed taken advantage of some of Iban singers especially those in Sibu by paying them about RM600 for a recording. While the Iban singers are only interested in making them “famous” and popular, the non-Dayak businessmen have earned millions of ringgit through the sales of their songs. Again a body should be set up to look after the interests of the singers.

As I said the DCCI’s efforts are commendable and should be given all out support. But sadly, there seems to be lack of support coming from the Iban businessmen and Iban ministers and assistant ministers and the absence of William Mawan, James Masing, Alfred Jabu, Joseph Entulu, Sylvester Enteri, Jelaing Mersat, Francis Harden, Gramong Juna, Peter Nyarok and Douglas Uggah were obvious. Only Michael Manyin, Naroden Majais and Joseph Salang were seen around. Never mind Jabu, but what about the rest? We know Jabu has always against the formation of DCCI and its activities.

If Ahmad Shabery Cheek, minister of information, could come all the way from Kuala Lumpur to attend the musical awards, there was no reason why our ministers could not come. That was the time our singers really needed our support and support is like a horse trading. (You scratch my back, I scratch yours). You may not need them now, come elections times, the Dayak singers are the most wanted commodity. Like in USA, as also elsewhere, including Sarawak, the role of singers in attracting audience during campaigning times is now part of democracy.

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Some of DAMA 2008 photos: