‘Sadia takes lead in Iban culture, language preservation'
KUCHING (July 6): Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) is a protagonist when it comes to the preservation of Iban culture and language.
In pointing this out, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) publicity officer Churchill E Drem hailed the two entities as 'tools of the Iban identity, which must be preserved well.
'In this respect, Sadia runs a host of programmes – ranging from the preservation of the 'ngajat' (Iban traditional dance) and language, to addressing issues surrounding NCR (Native Customary Rights) land.
'However, some of the NCR struggles seem controversial and thus, we should let our leaders address and resolve all issues.
'Otherwise, most of Sadia's activities are normal,' he said in representing SDNU president, Pakan assemblyman Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, at Sadia Kuching branch's annual dinner held at Siburan Community Hall near here on Saturday.
Talking about Sadia and SDNU, Churchill said they were interlinked, with similar objectives drawn even before the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
'Many Sadia members are also members of the SDNU.
'SDNU was formed in 1956, while Sadia's main body and its Kuching branch, in early 1960s.
'According to some documents that I have come across on the Internet, Sadia was sort of the rebranding of the Dayak Federation formed in 1919.'
Adding on, Churchill said in the early 1980s, Sadia set out to address issues involving the well-being and economy of the Ibans, particularly those who migrated from the rural to urban areas like Kuching.
In this sense, he remarked: 'Whoever leads Sadia should revisit these two main objectives: addressing the well-being of the Iban people, and elevating their economy.
'They (leaders) must ensure that all programmes involving the community could be formulated and intensified to suit modern times.'
Adding on, Churchill said SDNU and Sadia were still in a situation where they still needed substantial funds from the state government.
'Their (SDNU and Sadia's) strength is their ability to bring people together and instil in them a good sense of belonging.
'This can be seen when you organise or join dinners and events – the Ibans are united people socially,' said Churchill.
Later, Churchill announced a RM10,000 grant from Mawan for Sadia Kuching branch.
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