(Kuching, 11th) The Sarawak Dayak National Party (Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak, abbreviated as PBDS) emphasizes that political unity among the Dayak community is crucial for defending indigenous rights, enhancing political influence, and ensuring fair participation in Malaysia's development.
As part of the effort to unite the Dayak community, PBDS is currently drafting a "Dayak Political Charter" as a blueprint for unity, clearly outlining shared principles, goals, and policy commitments.
"Without unity, our voices will disperse and fragment, and our issues — such as Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, rural development, education, and equitable economic participation — will struggle to get the deserved attention or resolution. Unity can amplify our voice, unify our demands, and enable us to meaningfully influence national policies," stated PBDS Permanent Chairman Dr. John Brian Anthony in a statement today.
"Despite being the largest indigenous group in Sarawak, the Dayak community remains politically divided. Internal divisions, differing party affiliations, and historical mistrust have weakened our collective strength.
"Many Dayak leaders hold positions across different political platforms, but the lack of a unified agenda weakens our influence at both state and federal levels," he pointed out.
He further stated that a politically united Dayak community would help strengthen Malaysia's democracy and national unity.
"This will ensure better representation for the indigenous communities of Borneo and reinforce the spirit of inclusion and fairness in policy making. The unity of the Dayak community can serve as a national model, demonstrating how diverse ethnic identities can work together peacefully and purposefully.
"This is a step toward a Malaysia that truly represents its people — whether in East or West Malaysia, urban or rural, indigenous or non-indigenous," he added.
He thus called on all Dayak leaders, civil society participants, and the public, regardless of party affiliation, to consider political unity a responsibility, not an option.
"Unity is not compromise, it's strength. It is the cornerstone of our future."
John Brian also reiterated that PBDS is committed to re-establishing a common platform for Dayak leaders to collaborate across party lines, promoting inclusive leadership, embracing the rich ethnic diversity including Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu, guided by shared values and visions.
The party is also committed to empowering youth and grassroots groups through political education and community engagement, while promoting reconciliation and dialogue to bridge differences and restore trust within the Dayak community.
As part of the effort to unite the Dayak community, PBDS is currently drafting a "Dayak Political Charter" as a blueprint for unity, clearly outlining shared principles, goals, and policy commitments.
"Without unity, our voices will disperse and fragment, and our issues — such as Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, rural development, education, and equitable economic participation — will struggle to get the deserved attention or resolution. Unity can amplify our voice, unify our demands, and enable us to meaningfully influence national policies," stated PBDS Permanent Chairman Dr. John Brian Anthony in a statement today.
"Despite being the largest indigenous group in Sarawak, the Dayak community remains politically divided. Internal divisions, differing party affiliations, and historical mistrust have weakened our collective strength.
"Many Dayak leaders hold positions across different political platforms, but the lack of a unified agenda weakens our influence at both state and federal levels," he pointed out.
He further stated that a politically united Dayak community would help strengthen Malaysia's democracy and national unity.
"This will ensure better representation for the indigenous communities of Borneo and reinforce the spirit of inclusion and fairness in policy making. The unity of the Dayak community can serve as a national model, demonstrating how diverse ethnic identities can work together peacefully and purposefully.
"This is a step toward a Malaysia that truly represents its people — whether in East or West Malaysia, urban or rural, indigenous or non-indigenous," he added.
He thus called on all Dayak leaders, civil society participants, and the public, regardless of party affiliation, to consider political unity a responsibility, not an option.
"Unity is not compromise, it's strength. It is the cornerstone of our future."
John Brian also reiterated that PBDS is committed to re-establishing a common platform for Dayak leaders to collaborate across party lines, promoting inclusive leadership, embracing the rich ethnic diversity including Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu, guided by shared values and visions.
The party is also committed to empowering youth and grassroots groups through political education and community engagement, while promoting reconciliation and dialogue to bridge differences and restore trust within the Dayak community.