Year 2000

By Harun Jau

BAU - An estimated 34,000 people in Malaysia are infected by HIV/AIDS, disclosed Deputy Federal Minister of National Unity and Social Development Dr Tiki Lafe here yesterday.

He said the majority of those afflicted were male drug addicts between the ages of 20 to 39, who contracted the disease through the sharing of needles.

"The increasing number of those affected by HIV through heterosexual relationship annually is also an alarming trend," he added, when launching the State-level World Aids Day at the Bau Civic Centre here.

He said AIDS cases reported in Sarawak was only 0.7 percent of the national figure, and the second lowest after Sabah.

This figure, however, might not accurately reflect the actual situation, due to the high probability that many people were not aware that they had been affected. Dr Tiki revealed a total of 213 cases of HIV, 54 cases of AIDS, and 31 deaths from AIDS as reported to the Health Department of Sarawak by end of September this year.

"There were 27 new HIV cases," he said, "but the number can increase suddenly." He said in the past, HIV/AIDS cases in the State were mostly found among illegal foreign fishermen nabbed in Sarawak, but the trend today tended towards an increasing number of locals.

"Lately, there has been an increase in the number of HIV/AIDS cases among Bumiputeras in Sarawak, including the Bidayuh community," he informed, and that of the 38 cases reported among Bumiputeras in Sarawak, 21 were Ibans and 16, Bidayuhs.

"This figure is very high if calculated based on the percentage of the Bidayuh population, which comprises eight percent of the population of Sarawak," he observed.

According to Dr Tiki, young people aged between 20 to 39 years old comprised the largest number of those suffering from HIV. He said 85 percent of those affected were males, and more than 80 percent of cases were contracted through sexual relationship with those already affected with the HIV virus. "These people then spread the virus to their partners, and eventually their babies," he explained.

Dr Tiki also disclosed that Sarawak had the highest incidence of gonorrhea and syphilis in Malaysia.

He warned of a possible sudden increase in number of sexually-transmitted diseases in Sarawak if no preventive measures were taken.

The theme of this year's World Aids Day: 'AIDS - Men Make A Difference' was chosen by UNAIDS to emphasise the important role played by men in the campaign against the deadly disease.

KUCHING - The government has been urged to consider replacing the lands of the land-owners affected by the proposed solid waste treatment project at Musi/Tondong/Singai area with a land lot of at least equivalent size and with title and basic infrastructure at a suitable area.

Speaking at the Dewan Undangan Negeri in support of the State Budget 2001 on Tuesday, Encik Peter Nansian Ngusie (BN-Tasik Biru) said this was to ensure the smooth implementation of the project if the government insisted on siting the project in the area.

He cited three main reasons why the affected land-owners rejected the project.

Firstly, the affected land-owners claimed that they had very limited land to sacrifice and not much land for their own use. Secondly, the people viewed the project as something which would pollute their living environment and thirdly, they were sentimentally attached to the land they had been occupying since the old days.

The member admitted: "Irrespective of where the project is to be sited, there are bound to be people who will always object to it being placed at their 'backyard."

"But, this project is necessary for our solid waste management which is meant for the good of the people."

Nansian said the government would have to allay the fears of the affected people by considering, amongst others, their proposal to replace the land with a lot of equivalent size.

He also called on the government to consider compensating the crops on the land to be acquired. The member also suggested that the landowners be given a token share and representation in the waste management company which would operate the landfill. The land to be acquired should include a buffer zone to avoid future claims in one way or another, he added.

Nansian also suggested that the government consider having a task force committee and representative to attend to queries from the affected landowners.

It should also give priority to the affected land-owners to be employed in suitable jobs in the company which would be managing the project.

KUCHING, Tues. - Peter Nansian (BN-Tasik Biru) notes that there were several occasions where interferences occurred in the due process in the civil service involving the appointment of Ketua Masyarakat.

To the rakyat, such happenings would make it look like the credibility of the Civil Service is questionable, he said at the DUN sitting today.

Also the credibility of the Wakil Rakyat of the area who recommended those candidates would also be at stake, he said.

He cited a case in his area whereby a letter of appointment issued by the State Secretary's office to appoint a Chinese Pemanca was withdrawn at the last moment despite the fact that this was during the height of the parliamentary election.

A similar incident occurred later whereby the letters of appointments of two Chinese Penghulus were also withdrawn after being issued by the State Secretary Office.

He said if such appointments were political, the recommendation of the Wakil Rakyat of the area should take precedence as he is representing the BN government of the area.

"And since we acknowledged that a lot of strength of BN lies in us supporting one another in each constituency, we should give priority to our BN component party in such cases," said Peter.

He said it must be recognised that the YB is normally a good judge of who would be a good Ketua Masyarakat, and such he recommended that the views of Ybs should be taken into account and given priority in such appointments.

"A Ketua Masyarakat plays a very important and traditional role in the civil service organisation. Having good and efficient Ketua Masyarakat in a district makes the administration of the district much easier for the District Officer and Resident in their work," he said.

He also urged the caring BN government to soonest possible speed up the process of renewals, appointments and terminations of Ketua Masyarakat and Ketua kampung of which are still quite slow so as to serve the rakyat better. - BP

KUCHING - Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Alfred Jabu yesterday called on the organisers of the Borneo Heights Run to make the run an international event to further promote tourism in the area.

The run should not only be used as a venue for showing prowess and winning prizes, but it should also be used as an opportunity to promote tourism in the area, he said after presenting prizes to the winners of the run.

One hundred and twenty-nine runners took part in the event, the first one ever held. It was jointly organised by the Dayak Bidayuh National Associatin (DBNA) Padawan Branch, Borneo Highland Resorts and the Ministry of Tourism.

The 7.5 km run started from Kampung Annah Rais and ended at Borneo Highland Resorts.

Jabu was optimistic that handsome prizes, scenic panorama and challenging route were some of the factors that could attract both local and foreign participants. As such, foreign runners should also be invited to take part in the future by organising proper promotions to attract them, he pointed out.

However, in such pursuit, the present environment must be preserved and efforts must be made to protect the area from being scalped of its natural habitats, he said.

As such, he called on the people to help protect the environment so that they could remain could remain eco-friendly.

On th future of the resort, Jabu expressed him optimism that it would be one of the most sought after resorts in the region in the near future because of its seclusion, peaceful and beautiful surroundings.

In relation to that, the friendliness of the people around could also help attract tourist coming to the area, he said.

In this connection, the Deputy Chief Minister called on the people in the surrounding areas to venture into business by making and selling local handicrafts as souvenirs to the tourists.

Speaking earlier, joint-chairman of the Organising committee, Dr. James Dawos Mamit described the run as a warm-up event for bigger ones in store in the future.

He also called on MOT to include the run in the annual calendar of events for promotion purposes.

At the function, Jabu handed over a government grant of RM10,000.00 to Kampung Annah Rais for the renovation of the village multi-purpose hall while Dr. James Dawos allocated RM5,000.00 from his minor rural project fund to DBNA Padawan Branch.

Among those present at the function were Assistant Minister of Finance and Public Utilities, Encil Michael Manying Jawong, State Assemblymen Encik Frederick Bayor Manggi and Encik Peter Nansien Nguse.

BAU - People from all walks of life and the diverse culture, racial and religious backgrounds must strive to reduce obstacles caused by political, racial and religious issues for the sake of continued unity and harmony in the country.

National Unity and Community Development Minister Dato Dr Hajah Siti Zaharah Haji Sulaiman warned that the people could not afford to be split.

She also advised the people to refrain from harping on sensitive issues that could give rise to racial and religious conflicts.

"Unity is the key to further progress and development. A stable political climate as well as unity and harmony among the people will not only allow healthy environment for growth but also enable the government to focus more on development that will benefit everyone."

"We must upgrade efforts to preserve the prevailing political, social and economic stability for the benefits of not only the present but also future generations," she added in her text of speech at the launching of the Neighbourhood Watch Committee for Bau town and Grogo Zone at the Mini Stadium here.

Her deputy and Member of Parliament for Mas Gading Dr Tiki Lafe read her speech.

Siti Zaharah appealed to the people to learn to appreciate the prevailing unity and harmony and to have a more in dept understanding of the unity concept adopted by the ministry.

"We must look and better understand the unity concept to enable us to appreciate it, hence taking greater steps to preserve it," she added.

The Minister said the prevailing unity and racial harmony would enable the government speed up development efforts that would entice more foreign investment into the country.

She cited the launching of the Neighbourhood Watch Committee (RT) as a positive step to further enhance unity among the people. She hoped those appointed to the committee would exercise their responsibility in accordance with the objectives of its establishment.

Later, Dr Tiki said those in the committee should exercise their duty fairly and responsibly in disseminating correct information and inculcate positive attitude among the community.

He urged them to strive to develop and groom the members of committee to be role models in the society.

Earlier, National Unity Department director Puan Hajah Ainon Bt Hj Kuntom said the RT function, among others, was to be an important social organisation to inculcate and promote unity and neighbourhood spirits. RT is also the pulse of the development of the local community, she added.

She said since 1988 until now, the department had established 140 RT Zones throughout the State and most of these committees were set up in residential areas both in urban and suburban areas.

Hj Ainon said the RT played a crucial role in complementing government efforts to address social problems as well as to act as a catalyst of growth in their areas.

Also present were MP for Mambong Dr James Dawos Mamit and Tasik Biru assemblyman Encik Peter Nansian.

LUNDU - People living in rural areas have been advised to upgrade their knowledge and various skills to meet changes and challenges in the modern world.

Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Food Industries, Datuk Ramsay Noel Jitam, said changes in term of attitude and ways of thinking must be relevant with changes in technology and economic development.

"If the people do not realise the changes happening around them, they will be left out. For example, they need to believe firmly in whatever they are doing in order to get better income and to upgrade their standard of living," said Datuk Ramsay at the closing of National Institute of Public Administration's (INTAN) programme here, yesterday.

Sixty-seven officers from Peninsula Malaysia, who are attending Diploma of Public Administration course (DPA) at INTAN, were adopted by 21 families from various villages in Lundu.

The programme is aimed at providing more exposure to participants to understand and appreciate rural living in a different setting.

It will also enable them to upgrade their knowledge of the perception of the State's rural residents regarding government development policies.

The Assistant Minister said people in the rural areas should learn from experiences and past mistakes to bring about improvement in their daily lives. He also urged them to fully support development programmes implemented by the government for their own good and for the betterment of future generations.

He assured that the government would ensure peace and racial harmony among the various races prevail so that economic development could proceed uninterrupted.

Present at the ceremony was Director of INTAN Sarawak, Dr Halim Man and adopted families of the participants.

Bau, Sun. - There is a need to integrate formal and informal education so that the nation could produce citizens who were not only knowledgeable but also pro-active, competitive and resilient, Deputy Minister of National Unity and Community Development, Dr. Tiki Lafe said.

The nation needed citizens who are resilient so that the nation could face the challenges of the world with more confidence, he said.

As such, besides concentrating on academic achievements, students, as future citizens and leaders of the nation, should also be instilled with the spirit of patriotism so that they could become responsible citizens and leaders in the future, he said when addressing a gathering to mark the Birthday of Confucius as Dewan Suarah, here.

He pointed out that the responsibility of grooming such citizens was a collective one among the schools, associations and community at large.

Expressing regrets over incidents involving disciplines of students, Dr. Tiki believe that they occurred because of negative influences and added that it was no doubt a great challenge for schools management to overcome.

He also touched on polarisation among students in the higher institutions of learning which he described as unhealthy because they could sow the seeds of hatred and disunity among their peers.

As future leaders, such attitude should not be allowed because it could threaten the stability, peace, harmony and unity of the nation, he added.

Towards this end, he called on all concerned, in particular teachers to show them the right path when disposing their duties.

To the parents, board of directors, parent-teacher association and the community, he also expressed the hope that they would always work together to find ways and means to overcome the problem.

On information technology (IT) Dr. Tiki called on the people to pursue the knowledge on IT to the best they could because opportunities were wide open for everyone to achieve such knowledge.

Without adequate knowledge of IT, they would be left behind in all fields because the future would be determined by such knowledge, he said.

On the gathering, he said Confucius was indeed a great ideologist and teacher who was very much respected in ancient China.

His ideology and teaching on patience, determination, sincerity and caring had always influenced the attitude and behaviour of the scholars during this time, he said.

Although the conditions during Confucius' period might not be the same as today, Dr. Tiki believed that many of his ideologies and teachings were still valuable and worth emulating.

Dr. Tiki commended the Chung Hua schools in Bau district for their effort to provide good education to the students.

This was evident during last year's UPSR examination when the schools surpassed the national level and state level passing rates.

Chung Hua schools in the district achieved 52.48 percent passes last year, compared to Kuching Kota Samarahan passing rate of 40.01 percent and national level of 39.6 percent.

Dr. Tiki suggested that other national schools in the district work together pertaining to providing good education to the students.

Others who also spoke at the function were Assistant Minister of Environment and Public Health, Dr. Soon Choon Teck, Temenggong Tan Meng Chong, Chairman Board of management of Chung Hua Schools, Bau District Encik Ngui Nyet Ming and Organising Chairman of the dinner, Encik Liew Chiew Min

Kuching, Sun. - The Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) which was formed in 1957 has successfully united the Bidayuh community both in terms of bringing the various cultures of the different groups together and promoting higher education among the community.

The association president, Dr. James Dawos Mamit said without DBNA, the community would have split, as in the 50's 60's and 70's.

"It is important to ask ourselves what the association has done in bringing unity which is important for all communities, without which the country will fall," Dr. Dawos said.

Dawos who is also a Member of Parliament for Mambong, was speaking at a dinner gathering at Kampung Annah Rais last night.

The gathering was organised by DBNA Padawan branch to give cash incentive to Bidayuh students who excelled in last year's UPSR examination.

He called on the community to continue giving full support to the association to help bring the community into the mainstream of development together with other communities.

Dawos also said that the association will continue to give strong emphasis on education to enable the younger generation of the Bidayuh community to receive good education.

This, he said, will be done through education road shows and seminars in all primary schools in the Bidayuh areas and conducted by Bidayuh academicians.

He also advised parents whose children are furthering their studies at the various local universities to apply for the National Educational Fund (NUF) set up by the government.

Application for the loan can be made through the respective members of Parliament in their constituencies, according to Dawos.

He also touched on the importance for parents to give full attention to their children's education affairs.

Based on last year' research, only 1,300 Bidayuhs are degree holders, he said, and hoped the community would produce more graduates in future.

As an MP, Dawos also said that he had allocated RM20,000 this year for the association to carry out its activities, particularly concerning education.

Earlier, DBNA Padawan branch chairman and also the organising committee, Encik Clif Mengud said the gathering marks the highlight of the education road show held at 13 schools in the area.

The gathering is a continuation of the branch activities, including the Puncak Borneo Run on Sept 24 which DBNA Padawan branch has been entrusted to organise, he said.

Mengud said the cash incentive was a recognition to the students and parents' effort and a motivation for other parents.

He thanks the Education Department for the support in conducting the education road show. - BP.

KUCHING, Mon.- The Dayak community in Sarawak need to do a deep examination of themselves if they wish to overcome their weaknesses and catch up with the other races.

Only by identifying their own weaknesses could the Dayaks, who form the majority of Sarawak's estimated two million people, gather their strengths to move forward.

These were among the first words of newly re-elected Parti Bangsa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) deputy president Datuk Daniel Tajem when asked on the achievements of the Dayak community.

"The Dayaks comprising Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu are still lagging behind in all fields, and they need a paradigm shift to be on par with other races," he told Bernama after the end of the PBDS general assembly here yesterday.

Tajem beat state Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Masing in a straight fight for the number two post which saw a contest for the first time in the party's 17-year history.

Tajem polled 360 votes against 278 votes obtained by Dr Masing.

Datuk Amar Leo Moggie was returned unopposed as president, a post he held since the party was formed in 1983.

Tajem said the Dayaks clearly lagged behind in the economic, education and social sectors, among others.

The majority of the estimated 3,800 longhouses and Dayak villages in the state were still without electricity and water supply, said Tajem, 64, a former deputy chief minister.

He said the party should have the vision to expand the middle class among the community.

"I am happy if several Dayaks have become millionaires but to strengthen the community's economic position, the creation of more middle-class Dayaks should be the objective of PBDS this century," he said.

He said if more Dayaks become entrepreneurs and businessmen, they could set up a Dayak Chamber of Commerce like what has been done by the other communities.

Tajem, who completed his tenure as Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand in the middle of this year, said the achievements of Dayaks in education also pale in comparison with those of other races.

He said all Dayak leaders irrespective of which party they are from should make concerted efforts to help improve the performance of Dayak students so that more of them could enter universities.

"I am worried because in the field of information technology, which has become a requirement for every kind of endeavour like studies and business, the Dayak community will continue to be left behind," he said.

Tajem said whatever the vision for the Dayaks, he could not run away from pondering over the fate of a big section of the community who still live in longhouses and villages in the interior. "With the programmes drawn up by the state government, they can progress but the Dayak community must be given sufficient information on development projects, especially land development," he said.

One way to further develop the Dayak community was to set up nucleus land development programmes and open up plantations by leasing out Native Customary Rights (NCR) land belonging to Dayaks, he said.

"For a Dayak with 120 acres of land, for example, he can only work on 20 acres the most and the rest can be rented to plantation companies for development of oil palm estates or other crops.

"I am not anti-development but I want every planned development project to be fully understood first by the Dayaks so that they can reap the full benefits," he said.

Asked on his victory in the party election, Tajem said it was a healthy contest as it offered a new kind of experience to the Dayaks to make them more mature politically.

It afforded them an opportunity to evaluate candidate and pick who they considered the best, and this education process was important as the state election was not far away, he said.

"If we do not allow contests it means we are not giving party members a choice," said Tajem, adding that he was just defending his post.

"I had served as a state assemblyman, High Commissioner and deputy chief minister, and now I am really free and able to strengthen the party machinery," said Tajem, a founder of the party.

He dismissed allegations that his decision to defend the post was prompted by his desire to contest the next state election, and hopefully make a return to the state Cabinet.

"My intention is to strengthen the party so that anyone holding a post, like Datuk Moggie, can focus on government duties and not worry about the party," he said.

Tajem said he wanted PBDS to remain as the vehicle for the Dayak community to unite and contribute to the country in the spirit of cooperation practised by the Barisan National (BN).

Asked on his determination to retain the post as seen from the unveiling of his term for the contest, Tajem said those in his camp comprised professionals in various fields.

"They included businessmen, bank officers, lawyers, housing developers, plantation managers, economists and private company senior executives with vast experience to contribute to the country," he said.

Tajem, a lawyer knows for his oratorical skills, said the party needed leaders with expertise in various fields to draw up programmes to develop the Dayaks.

"I also want to gather the Dayak intellect and professional groups regardless of their party so that they can server as the think tank to bring the Dayak community to greater heights and contribute to the development of Sarawak and Malaysia," he said. -BERNAMA

KUCHING, Mon.- The Dayak community in Sarawak need to do a deep examination of themselves if they wish to overcome their weaknesses and catch up with the other races.

Only by identifying their own weaknesses could the Dayaks, who form the majority of Sarawak's estimated two million people, gather their strengths to move forward.

These were among the first words of newly re-elected Parti Bangsa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) deputy president Datuk Daniel Tajem when asked on the achievements of the Dayak community.

"The Dayaks comprising Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu are still lagging behind in all fields, and they need a paradigm shift to be on par with other races," he told Bernama after the end of the PBDS general assembly here yesterday.

Tajem beat state Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Masing in a straight fight for the number two post which saw a contest for the first time in the party's 17-year history.

Tajem polled 360 votes against 278 votes obtained by Dr Masing.

Datuk Amar Leo Moggie was returned unopposed as president, a post he held since the party was formed in 1983.

Tajem said the Dayaks clearly lagged behind in the economic, education and social sectors, among others.

The majority of the estimated 3,800 longhouses and Dayak villages in the state were still without electricity and water supply, said Tajem, 64, a former deputy chief minister.

He said the party should have the vision to expand the middle class among the community.

"I am happy if several Dayaks have become millionaires but to strengthen the community's economic position, the creation of more middle-class Dayaks should be the objective of PBDS this century," he said.

He said if more Dayaks become entrepreneurs and businessmen, they could set up a Dayak Chamber of Commerce like what has been done by the other communities.

Tajem, who completed his tenure as Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand in the middle of this year, said the achievements of Dayaks in education also pale in comparison with those of other races.

He said all Dayak leaders irrespective of which party they are from should make concerted efforts to help improve the performance of Dayak students so that more of them could enter universities.

"I am worried because in the field of information technology, which has become a requirement for every kind of endeavour like studies and business, the Dayak community will continue to be left behind," he said.

Tajem said whatever the vision for the Dayaks, he could not run away from pondering over the fate of a big section of the community who still live in longhouses and villages in the interior. "With the programmes drawn up by the state government, they can progress but the Dayak community must be given sufficient information on development projects, especially land development," he said.

One way to further develop the Dayak community was to set up nucleus land development programmes and open up plantations by leasing out Native Customary Rights (NCR) land belonging to Dayaks, he said.

"For a Dayak with 120 acres of land, for example, he can only work on 20 acres the most and the rest can be rented to plantation companies for development of oil palm estates or other crops.

"I am not anti-development but I want every planned development project to be fully understood first by the Dayaks so that they can reap the full benefits," he said.

Asked on his victory in the party election, Tajem said it was a healthy contest as it offered a new kind of experience to the Dayaks to make them more mature politically.

It afforded them an opportunity to evaluate candidate and pick who they considered the best, and this education process was important as the state election was not far away, he said.

"If we do not allow contests it means we are not giving party members a choice," said Tajem, adding that he was just defending his post.

"I had served as a state assemblyman, High Commissioner and deputy chief minister, and now I am really free and able to strengthen the party machinery," said Tajem, a founder of the party.

He dismissed allegations that his decision to defend the post was prompted by his desire to contest the next state election, and hopefully make a return to the state Cabinet.

"My intention is to strengthen the party so that anyone holding a post, like Datuk Moggie, can focus on government duties and not worry about the party," he said.

Tajem said he wanted PBDS to remain as the vehicle for the Dayak community to unite and contribute to the country in the spirit of cooperation practised by the Barisan National (BN).

Asked on his determination to retain the post as seen from the unveiling of his term for the contest, Tajem said those in his camp comprised professionals in various fields.

"They included businessmen, bank officers, lawyers, housing developers, plantation managers, economists and private company senior executives with vast experience to contribute to the country," he said.

Tajem, a lawyer knows for his oratorical skills, said the party needed leaders with expertise in various fields to draw up programmes to develop the Dayaks.

"I also want to gather the Dayak intellect and professional groups regardless of their party so that they can server as the think tank to bring the Dayak community to greater heights and contribute to the development of Sarawak and Malaysia," he said. -BERNAMA

 BAU, Sun - The Bidayuh community were reminded to be wary of certain groups of people who are out to create disunity among the Bidayuhs especially in view of the coming state election as these people are only interested in achieving their own personal interest.

 The Deputy Minister of National Unity and Community Development, Dr. Tiki ak Lafe gave his advice last night at the Kampung Stenggang Welfare Committee pre-Gawai dinner held at the Dewan Suarah here.  Dr. Tiki is also the Member of Parliament for Mas Gading.

 "These instigators might harp on the Native Customary Rights(NCR) issue among the community to gain their support especially when the state election is coming but the present government is giving fair compensation to landowners if their land are acquired to bring about development and opened up more opportunities for the people," he said.

 He added that Bidayuh disunity would only lead to the community being left behind in terms on development and progress compared to the other races in the state.

 "Thus it is to the benefit of the community if they continue to give their full backing to the present government which has proved its capability in bringing the much needed development and progress to them and the Bidayuh areas in general," he said.

 The community can only hoped to better themselves if they are willing to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the government in its efforts to help the economically weak communities in the state.

 In this connection, the Bidayuhs were told to give more emphasis to their children's education both formally and informally as only through education can the community get themselves out of the poverty trap and contribute to the development of the community as well as to the country.

 In view of the coming Gawai Dayak celebration, which would be the first to be celebrated in the new millennium, Dr Tiki asked the Bidayuhs to adopt a new resolution for the betterment of the community.

 He urged them to use the event to strengthen the bond of friendship not only among themselves but also among the other races.  "This promotion of unity among the multi-racial society is in line with the caring society concept which the government has been promoting continuously among all Malaysians," he said.

 He added maintaining and promoting unity is the responsibility of everyone.

Also in connection with the coming Gawai, he advised the celebrants not to drink excessively and avoid wasting their money by gambling.  He instead asked them to save for their children's education and starting their own businesses.

 "Acquiring the necessary and relevant skills are also important in the Information Technology (IT) era as the government is preparing the people for knowledge-community," Dr Tiki said.

 The Bidayuhs were also urged to learn from the other races who have been successful in a lot of areas which had enabled them to improve and raise their living standard.

 Earlier, the advisor to the Kampung Stenggang Welfare Community, Peter Minos commended the committee for its role and noble efforts in helping those in need in the village in times of deaths and distress.

 Apart from this, the committee is also giving out educational incentives to those in the village who had excelled in their studies and managed to enter universities to further their studies.

 Based on its efforts to look after the welfare of the villagers, Kampung Stenggang can be considered a "Model Bidayuh Village," he said.

 Minos also urged the educated Bidayuhs to play their role in assisting the poor and the unfortunate ones during this coming Gawai celebration.

 "Gawai should not only be a time for merriment and joy but also be used to renew the search for a more civilised and cultured life," Minos said.  He also proposed that all Bidayuh villages set up their own welfare committee to look after the interest and welfare of the villagers in their respective areas.

 "The setting up of the committee augurs well with the government's efforts to promote a caring society concept," he added.

 The dinner was held to raise fund for the village's Welfare Committee in its efforts to help those in the village in times of needs such as deaths, misfortune and giving educational incentives.

 Among the activities for the night were the presentation of educational incentives to over ten university students.  The incentives were from Kampung Stenggang Welfare Committee and the Dayak Culture Foundation Sarawak which is chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Alfred Jabu.

 Cultural performances and songs presented by Dr Tiki and Minos among others to raise funds were also part of the events during thee night. - BP

 MIRI, Sun. - Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Dr. George Chan Hong Nam called upon various Dayak organisations like Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Sarawak Dayak Women Union, Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA), Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) and Orang Ulu National Association (OUNA) to help explain government development plans to their communities especially those who live in the rural areas, and they can do it by organising seminars.

 Chan, who is also the Minister of Finance and Public Utilities and Minister for Social Development, said, for the 8^th Malaysia Plan, the government has worked out many development programmes that would bring benefits to all the people regardless of whether they reside in towns, villages or longhouses.

 His messages was read out by Senadin Assemblyman Lee Kim Shin at the launching of a Gawai Dayak celebration at Mega Hotel here last night.  The occasion was organised by Dayak Association Miri (DAM) in collaboration with DBNA, OUNA, SADIA and Persatuan Bisaya Sarawak Miri (PBSM).

 Besides being considered as a 'commodity' in tourism trade, Chan said the Gawai festival is also an occasion for fostering mutual understanding and closer rapport among the various communities in Sarawak.  He stressed the importance of upholding racial harmony so that there is a climate of peace and political stability for the government to concentrate on its various development programmes.

 Chan appeals to all Mirians to support the vision of making Miri a Resort City by 2005.  Pointing out that Mirians are lucky to have renown international university set up here, he urged parents to take advantage of the opportunity to encourage their children to study locally if the courses they want to pursue are available.  He assured as those obtained at the main campus in Perth.

 Among the distinguished guests present were the Assistant Minister for Infrastructure Development and Communication William Mawan ak Ikom, Miri Resident Romie Sigan Daniel, Pemanca Stephen Jinggut and heads of the various organising associations.

 Meanwhile, Chan also pledged a RM5,000 donation to DAM and William Mawan, RM3,000.

 The highlights of the night's programme featured Kumang and Keling Gawai 2000 competitions and also toasting of 'ai pengayu'. - BP

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