KUCHING, June 18: Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) has urged Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK), as a non-Dayak-based party, to advise or at least “whisper to” the main group of beneficiaries of the State’s destructive land policies not to bully Dayak Native Customary Rights (NCR) landowners.
“PBDS is glad that PBK parallels our view and struggle. PBDS is very sure PBK knows very well who are the main group beneficiaries of the State’s destructive land policies, especially towards NCR land.
“Thus, it is incumbent upon PBK as a non-Dayak-based party to advise, or at least whisper to these ‘beneficiaries’ not to bully the Dayak NCR landowners.
“That is if PBK is concerned on what it wants to portray,” said PBDS president Major (R) Moses Ripai in a press statement.
Moses was responding to a recent statement by PBK president Voon Lee Shan, which he described as “confrontational against fellow opposition.”
However, he acknowledged Voon as a personal friend and stressed that PBDS prefers to highlight that the NCR issue has always been central to the party’s mission — both past and present.
The statement was part of PBDS’ broader message addressing three key issues: political non-interference in community leadership appointments, the call for a united opposition in the upcoming State election, and clarification regarding the issuance of official party statements.
Moses emphasised that PBDS invites all opposition parties in Sarawak to form an en bloc pact, setting aside individual party interests to deliver meaningful change for the people.
“En bloc opposition parties would be a strong opposition pact in the State, and this will chart the future of the new era of Sarawak if they are able and ready to take over the government,” he said.
Moses also highlighted that PBDS reaffirmed its stand against political interference in the appointment of community leaders (Tuai Rumahs), stressing that such positions should be based on traditional customs, community consensus, and an individual’s character and competence, not political affiliation or party loyalty.
“PBDS calls for a clear separation between political interests and cultural institutions, and we urge the government to respect the right of each community to choose its own leaders independently,” he said.
On party governance, Moses warned that any statement issued in PBDS’ name is null and void unless officially approved and released by the President, Information Chief, or the PBDS Supreme Council.
He added that disciplinary actions may be taken against individuals issuing unauthorised statements and stressed that the Supreme Council strongly opposes such irresponsible acts.
“PBDS is glad that PBK parallels our view and struggle. PBDS is very sure PBK knows very well who are the main group beneficiaries of the State’s destructive land policies, especially towards NCR land.
“Thus, it is incumbent upon PBK as a non-Dayak-based party to advise, or at least whisper to these ‘beneficiaries’ not to bully the Dayak NCR landowners.
“That is if PBK is concerned on what it wants to portray,” said PBDS president Major (R) Moses Ripai in a press statement.
Moses was responding to a recent statement by PBK president Voon Lee Shan, which he described as “confrontational against fellow opposition.”
However, he acknowledged Voon as a personal friend and stressed that PBDS prefers to highlight that the NCR issue has always been central to the party’s mission — both past and present.
The statement was part of PBDS’ broader message addressing three key issues: political non-interference in community leadership appointments, the call for a united opposition in the upcoming State election, and clarification regarding the issuance of official party statements.
Moses emphasised that PBDS invites all opposition parties in Sarawak to form an en bloc pact, setting aside individual party interests to deliver meaningful change for the people.
“En bloc opposition parties would be a strong opposition pact in the State, and this will chart the future of the new era of Sarawak if they are able and ready to take over the government,” he said.
Moses also highlighted that PBDS reaffirmed its stand against political interference in the appointment of community leaders (Tuai Rumahs), stressing that such positions should be based on traditional customs, community consensus, and an individual’s character and competence, not political affiliation or party loyalty.
“PBDS calls for a clear separation between political interests and cultural institutions, and we urge the government to respect the right of each community to choose its own leaders independently,” he said.
On party governance, Moses warned that any statement issued in PBDS’ name is null and void unless officially approved and released by the President, Information Chief, or the PBDS Supreme Council.
He added that disciplinary actions may be taken against individuals issuing unauthorised statements and stressed that the Supreme Council strongly opposes such irresponsible acts.