Archive for May, 2009

KUCHING : Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA) members continued their courtesy calls on state and federal leaders by visiting Land Development Minister Dato Sri Dr James Jemut Masing on Thursday.

Led by its president Dr Dusit Jaul, the delegation spent about one hour in Masing’s office where both sides exchanged thoughts and ideas on further assisting the Dayak community.

In a press release issued here yesterday, SDGA said Masing shared his thoughts and insights on some of the important areas that he feels the association should focus on.

"Of priority according to the minister is mindset change. SDGA can be an effective vehicle to change the mindset of Dayaks.  According to him, we have the capability, but not the mental infrastructure," said SDGA.

It noted that a case in point illustrated by Masing was the Dayak mindset when getting involved in business.

"In business, we need to be resilient and at the same time, develop a culture of saving. This is something he said is still lacking among Dayak business persons," it said.

During the meeting, Masing also advised SDGA members to keep abreast with the latest government policy, and singled out Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) as an example.

"He said SCORE offers ample opportunity for Dayaks to get involved in development process. As such, SDGA should get the latest information on SCORE so as to be able to disseminate information to Dayaks," it noted.

It also mentioned that the officials informed Masing of their various educational and human capital development programmes which have been planned throughout the state.

"In his remarks, Dusit said SDGA is an apolitical organisation and will remain so," it said.

Source: The Borneo Post, 11 May 2009