(Kuching, 19th) – Activist Peter John Jaban has called on Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) to face a reality: the future of the Dayak community is no longer confined to remote rural areas, but is gradually expanding to semi-urban regions, where more and more professionals, civil servants, and young families are gathering.
In a statement, he praised outgoing PRS president Datuk Sri Joseph Salang Gandum for recently calling on the party to establish an organisational structure that ensures a fairer and more balanced representation between urban and rural constituencies.
Peter pointed out that the party's organisational structure must also adapt to the constituency re-delineation process that will be launched following the special sitting of the Sarawak State Assembly earlier this year, which will add more seats to the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUS).
He said: “This is a critical moment. Our rural and semi-urban population structure is changing rapidly, especially among the Iban community. Our representatives must recognize the reality—the future of the Dayaks is no longer limited to remote villages.”
“The Dayak future is also in these rapidly developing semi-urban areas, with many Iban professionals, civil servants, and young families forming new communities there. Now is the time for PRS to pay attention to this issue.”
He noted that over the past 50 years, many Ibans from longhouse communities have migrated to semi-urban centers in search of better employment, education, and living opportunities.
“The Iban community is moving from the longhouse to the city, from self-sufficiency to a diversity of opportunities. If our political structure does not evolve in step with this reality, we risk losing political representation and voice.”
“Now, many Dayaks living in urban and suburban areas, despite their growing numbers and contribution to Sarawak’s economy, lack clear political representation.”
“They are equally part of our community. Though they live in housing estates rather than longhouses, they still face issues such as cost of living, land rights, cultural preservation, and social identity—all requiring a strong Dayak voice to advocate for them.”
He warned: “We cannot allow urban Dayaks to become ‘invisible’ politically, simply because constituency boundaries or party structures still follow old rural models. This is not about a trade-off between urban and rural, but about ensuring every Iban and other Dayak members—whether from longhouses or housing estates—have equal say in shaping Sarawak’s political future.”
Peter added that the upcoming constituency re-delineation by the Election Commission (EC) must also ensure, through reasonable seat allocation, that all Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component parties have a more balanced representation in both urban and rural areas, reflecting the rapid demographic changes.
Additionally, he urged PRS and other Dayak-based parties to formulate long-term strategies to address the needs of the rural–urban migrant population, including housing, education, and employment opportunities, while preserving their cultural identity.
“Development must serve the people, not the other way around. Our community is moving forward, seeking new opportunities, and PRS must move forward with them.”
In a statement, he praised outgoing PRS president Datuk Sri Joseph Salang Gandum for recently calling on the party to establish an organisational structure that ensures a fairer and more balanced representation between urban and rural constituencies.
Peter pointed out that the party's organisational structure must also adapt to the constituency re-delineation process that will be launched following the special sitting of the Sarawak State Assembly earlier this year, which will add more seats to the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUS).
He said: “This is a critical moment. Our rural and semi-urban population structure is changing rapidly, especially among the Iban community. Our representatives must recognize the reality—the future of the Dayaks is no longer limited to remote villages.”
“The Dayak future is also in these rapidly developing semi-urban areas, with many Iban professionals, civil servants, and young families forming new communities there. Now is the time for PRS to pay attention to this issue.”
He noted that over the past 50 years, many Ibans from longhouse communities have migrated to semi-urban centers in search of better employment, education, and living opportunities.
“The Iban community is moving from the longhouse to the city, from self-sufficiency to a diversity of opportunities. If our political structure does not evolve in step with this reality, we risk losing political representation and voice.”
“Now, many Dayaks living in urban and suburban areas, despite their growing numbers and contribution to Sarawak’s economy, lack clear political representation.”
“They are equally part of our community. Though they live in housing estates rather than longhouses, they still face issues such as cost of living, land rights, cultural preservation, and social identity—all requiring a strong Dayak voice to advocate for them.”
He warned: “We cannot allow urban Dayaks to become ‘invisible’ politically, simply because constituency boundaries or party structures still follow old rural models. This is not about a trade-off between urban and rural, but about ensuring every Iban and other Dayak members—whether from longhouses or housing estates—have equal say in shaping Sarawak’s political future.”
Peter added that the upcoming constituency re-delineation by the Election Commission (EC) must also ensure, through reasonable seat allocation, that all Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component parties have a more balanced representation in both urban and rural areas, reflecting the rapid demographic changes.
Additionally, he urged PRS and other Dayak-based parties to formulate long-term strategies to address the needs of the rural–urban migrant population, including housing, education, and employment opportunities, while preserving their cultural identity.
“Development must serve the people, not the other way around. Our community is moving forward, seeking new opportunities, and PRS must move forward with them.”