Latest news with #PBDS
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
‘Appointment of community leaders must be shielded from political interference'
Major (R) Moses Ripai SIBU (June 18): Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) firmly asserts that elected representatives and political parties must not interfere in the appointment of community leaders, especially Tuai Rumah, across Sarawak. Its president Major (Rtd) Moses Ripai said the appointment of these leaders must be based on traditional customs, community consensus and the character and competence of individuals, not on political affiliation or party loyalty. 'Community leaders are the backbone of indigenous governance, and must be shielded from political manipulation,' he said in a statement. Moses said PBDS called for a clear separation between political interests and cultural institutions, and urged the government to respect the rights of each community in choosing its own leaders independently. In anticipation of the upcoming Sarawak state elections, he also invited all opposition parties in Sarawak to form a united en bloc pact. He said the time has come to set aside individual party interests, and work collectively towards meaningful change for the people of Sarawak. 'A fragmented opposition only serves to strengthen the status quo. A united front can deliver a more effective challenge to the ruling coalition, foster a more competitive democratic process, and ensure the voices of rural and marginalised communities are heard and respected.' Moses said PBDS was ready to engage in open, respectful discussions with any opposition party committed to justice, indigenous rights and fair governance, and like-minded political parties to share the same struggles and visions. He said en bloc opposition parties would be a strong opposition pact in the state, and would chart the future of a new era for Sarawak if they were able to take over the government. He said the native customary rights (NCR) issue has always been the chief issue of previous and present PBDS. Moses also reminded all PBDS members, supporters and the public that any statement issued using the party's name is null and void, unless it has been officially approved and released by the party president, information chief, or supreme council. He said this protocol exists to protect the integrity, unity and public credibility of the party. 'Unauthorised statements do not reflect the party's official stance, and must not be regarded as the representative of PBDS,' he said, referring to cases of a certain individual who used the party's name for making statements recently. He added disciplinary actions may be taken against individuals who issue or circulate unauthorised statements on behalf of PBDS.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Get your own platform, leave Dayak struggle to us, PBDS tells PBK
Dr John Brian Anthony KUCHING (June 16): Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) ought to stop leveraging on the Dayak struggle but instead focus on their own platform and objectives, said Dr John Brian Anthony. The Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) permanent chairman said the party took note of recent comments and gestures made by PBK on social media, apparently expressing support for certain positions already taken by PBDS. While acknowledging PBK's right to comment on public matters, he said it is PBDS' unwavering mission to represent, protect, and empower the Dayak people politically, economically, and culturally. 'Our struggle is rooted in the history, identity, and aspirations of the Dayak community, and we have paid the price of marginalisation to uphold our integrity and independence. 'We respectfully urge PBK and any other political entities to avoid using the Dayak cause as a political leverage point to gain popularity or score political mileage. 'If your cause is strong, let it stand on its own merit. Do not ride on the Dayak name without truly understanding or representing our struggles on the ground,' he said in a statement. John said Sarawakians deserve to see what PBK stands for in action and not merely by commenting on what other parties are doing. 'True collaboration among Sarawak-based parties must be based on mutual respect, clear boundaries, and recognition of each other's unique identity and struggles,' he added. Nevertheless, he said PBDS remains open to genuine dialogue and cooperation with any party that shares its values of justice, equity, and indigenous empowerment. However, he stressed that such cooperation must not be at the expense of the Dayak community's dignity or political autonomy. 'Let each party speak for its people, work on its mission, and be judged by its performance—not by political theatrics,' he said.
Borneo Post
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Dayak political fragmentation weakens collective strength, says PBDS leader
Dr John Brian Anthony KUCHING (June 11): The Dayak community in Sarawak remains politically fragmented despite being the largest indigenous population, said Dr John Brian Anthony. The Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) permanent chairman pointed out that internal divisions, divergent party affiliations, and historical distrust have weakened the Dayak community's collective strength. 'Many Dayak leaders hold positions across various political platforms, but the absence of a cohesive agenda has diluted our impact at both the state and federal levels,' he said in a statement today. According to him, Dayak unity is critical for asserting their political relevance, protecting indigenous rights, and ensuring equitable participation in Malaysia's development. He added that without unity, the Dayak community's voice remains scattered, and key issues—such as native customary rights (NCR) land, rural development, education, and fair economic inclusion—struggle to gain proper attention or redress. 'As a party founded to uphold and champion the voice of the Dayak community, PBDS affirms that political unity among the Dayak (community) is no longer merely desirable—it is essential for our survival, relevance, and rightful place in national progress,' he said. John reiterated that PBDS is committed to re-establishing a common platform for Dayak leaders across party lines to collaborate on shared concerns. He also said PBDS looks forward to fostering reconciliation and dialogue to heal past divisions and rebuild intra-community trust, and to draft a 'Dayak Political Charter' as a blueprint for unity, outlining common principles, goals, and policy commitments. 'A politically united Dayak community strengthens Malaysia's democracy and national unity. It guarantees better representation for Borneo's indigenous population and reinforces the spirit of inclusion and fairness in policymaking,' he said.
Borneo Post
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sikie: Tuai Rumah elected without political interference
Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai KUCHING (June 10): Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department Datuk John Sikie Tayai said community leaders, particularly Tuai Rumah, are elected and that his ministry does not interfere in the election process. 'We do not interfere in their election,' he said when asked to comment on recent remarks by Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) permanent chairman Dr John Brian Anthony and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who claimed that the appointment of community leaders had been influenced by political interests. Sikie, who oversees Native Adat, explained that community leaders (KMKK) are elected through a process overseen by their respective District Offices, with district or administrative officers supervising the elections. However, he said he was unsure whether the appointment process for all community leader posts in the Sibu Chinese community, in particular, was being properly monitored. 'Tuai Rumah in longhouses are elected by their respective members of the longhouses, supervised by the Penghulu of the area and also by officers from the respective District office,' said Sikie, who is also Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Senior Vice President and Kakus assemblyman. Yesterday (June 9), it was reported that Tiong, who is also Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture had warned a certain political party leader against meddling in the selection of committee members for the Sibu Chinese Community Leaders Association. Stressing the importance of honouring fair and transparent selection processes, the Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman – without naming names – said he had recently received complaints about the said leader 'persistently interfering' in the election of the association's committee members. 'It appears this leader is attempting to manipulate the outcome through party influence, sparking strong discontent among the people.' Separately yesterday, John Brian claimed that political interference in the appointment of Tuai Rumah has long occurred in the Dayak community. He claimed that such practices not only 'contaminates' the customs and traditional social structure of the Dayak community but also erodes their trust in grassroots leadership. 'These are also often used as a political tool to ensure support for certain parties, thus weakening the autonomy of the community,' he argued. community leaders John Sikie Tayai lead political interference
Borneo Post
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
PBDS calls for end to political interference in tuai rumah appointments
Dr John Brian Anthony KUCHING (June 9): Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) has called for an end to political interference in the appointment of tuai rumah (longhouse chief). The party's permanent chairman Dr John Brian Anthony claimed that political interference in the appointment of community leaders has long occurred in the Dayak community. He explained that such practice not only 'contaminates' the customs and traditional social structure of the Dayak community but also erodes their trust in grassroots leadership institution. 'These are also often used as a political tool to ensure support for certain parties, thus weakening the autonomy of the community. 'PBDS emphasises that the appointment of tuai rumah should be based on the acceptance and trust of the community they represent, not based on the influence or interference of any political party. 'This appointment process needs to return to the foundations of custom, community values, and genuine leadership spirit,' he said in a press statement. His statement was issued in support of Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who on Sunday warned a certain political party leader against meddling in the selection of committee members for the Sibu Chinese Community Leaders Association. John Brian noted that Tiong's criticism shows how political interference has affected communities in Sarawak. Therefore, he urged the Sarawak government and relevant authorities to cease all forms of political interference in the appointment of community leaders, including tuai rumah. He added that this should be achieved by formulating transparent and fair guidelines for grassroots leadership appointments, with active community involvement. He stressed that the government must restore the Dayak community's autonomous power to nominate credible tuai rumah candidates who are accepted by the majority. 'PBDS will continue to fight for the rights and dignity of the Dayak community so that their social structure and customs are not further compromised for short-term political interests. 'Grassroots leadership is not a political tool — it is the voice of the community,' he said.
