Indigenous minority groups in the state must enhance unity among themselves in order to be able to contribute toward nation building, said Telang Usan assemblyman Lihan Jok.
“Being small, doesn't make us insignificance in the context of nation building. But what makes us irrelevant is when we, being a minority, start to quarrel among ourselves over petty issues. The moment we do that, we lose the respect of other races in the country,” said Lihan.
He said this at the official opening of the Sarawak Kenyah Cultural Festival at the city council field yesterday.
The three-day festival was organised by the Kenyah National Association (PKKS) with seven of its branches taking part.
Present were the festival organising chairman Marcus Gau Lian, association president councillor Simpson Njock Lenjau, Orang Ulu paramount chief Temenggong Pahang Ding and several Kenyah community leaders both from Belaga and Baram regions.
Lihan praised the association for hosting the festival for the first time for its people, the Kenyahs.
“This augurs well for the Kenyahs in the state for it reflects your desire to be united and progress with the other races. I respect the most this kind of festival, for it brings people together in a joyous and happy mood. I dare say this festival is a celebration of victory for the Kenyahs, for as a people you have come a long way,” said Lihan.
“This festival heralds a new spirit, can we call it the Spirit of Usun Apau, among the Kenyahs, and it is this spirit that will lead you on to play a significant role in nation building in the future,” he added.
Lihan told the Kenyah never to forget that unity is the key to their significance and relevancy in nation building.
“I cannot overemphasize the importance of unity for your progress as a people in this beloved country of ours. The moment the Kenyahs break up and quarrel among themselves, that is the road of going down the hill for them,” said Lihan.
It was believed that the Kenyahs, one of the many tribes in Borneo first settled at the Usun Apau plateau before migrating to the other parts of Borneo.
The Kenyahs as a tribe is unique among the Orang Ulu groups. The Kenyahs are divided into so many sub-tribes along dialectic lines. Probably there are as many Kenyah sub-groups as there are tribes in Sarawak.
Lihan advised the Kenyahs to support the government of the day if they want to progress with the rest of the country.
“I believe that is the right platform for you to help your people. But the moment, your Kenyah leaders are antagonistic toward the government you will find it is a hard road ahead. My advice is to support the present government,” said Lihan.
Lihan was given the honour to launch the Beachton for the PKKS Education Fund raising effort during the ceremony too.
As a gesture he fully support the association for its noble aim in putting education as a top priority for its members, Lihan donated RM15,000 to the fund through the Beachton launching.
“I am aware that we had exceeded our target of one family one graduate among our people, the Kenyahs and the Kayans. In this competitive globalised world, education is the key to our survival,” said Lihan. ENDS.
Caption: SOUND OF UNITY: Lihan officiating at the festival with Kenyah leaders.
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