SDNU promised RM2 mln will be used for its activities

CARING GESTURE: Najib donates to the fund set up for victims of the express boat tragedy in Belaga. At far left is Mawan. — Bernama photo

JULAU: Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) will be getting a RM2 million shot in the arm as pledged by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Its president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom said that meant a bigger responsibility for him in the progress of the Dayak people.

The money was pledged to the NGO by the premier during their meeting in Kuala Lumpur recently.
Mawan, who is also Saratok MP and Pakan assemblyman, said he and other members of the Dayak community were grateful to Najib for ensuring the community will not be left behind in the welfare, recreational and social aspects. And he was honoured by the trust Najib put in him.

TRADITIONAL WELCOME: Young Iban ladies in traditional costume wait patiently for the arrival of Najib. — Bernama photo

The funds will be used to further their programmes and yearly activities, he said when welcoming Najib to a Gawai Dayak open house at Rh George at Nanga Nansang, Pakan near here, yesterday.

When contacted later, SDNU vice-president Anthony Banyan said it was the first time in SDNU’s more than 50 years of existence that the government had pledged it such a substantial amount.

He admitted that SDNU had been receiving monetary assistance in the form of grants and minor rural project (MRP) funds from ministers and elected representatives.

More than 7,000 people from all over Sarawak attended the open house at Rh George Chunggut, which happened to be Mawan’s longhouse. Mawan is also SPDP president and state Social Development Minister.

(Source: The Borneo Post)