Awang Tengah (centre) harvesting paddy to launch the thanksgiving dinner. With him are (from left) Dennis, Entri and Anyi.
MIRI: The representation of majority and minority communities in both state and federal cabinets shows the concept of inclusiveness practised by the Barisan Nasional (BN) government.
Second Resource Planning and Environment Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said such representation was the token of aspiration and inspiration of the people, especially those from the minority groups.
He cited Baram MP Anyi Ngau as the pride of the Kenyahs, Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agung of the Lun Bawangs, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau of the Kayans, Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat of the Kedayans, and Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Ngumbang of the Bisayas.
However, Awang Tengah – who is also Public Utilities Minister – said as the minority Bumiputeras, these communities should know and acknowledge their strength.
“Such strength, in turn, depends on our unity and capability to work and move together not only among ourselves, but also with other communities,” the minister, who is also Bukit Sari assemblyman, said at ‘Pemung Kejae Lepa Ajau’ (Harvesting Thanksgiving Dinner) at a hotel here recently, organised by National Sarawak Kenyah Association (PKKS).
Awang Tengah, in seeing a showcase of rich cultural heritage of the Kenyahs that night, proposed for a Kenyah or Orang Ulu ‘Cultural Bonanza’, which could emulate the success of the annual Baram Regatta.
Moreover, he suggested that the future organiser could also invite the Orang Ulu community from West Kalimantan.
“This is something we must preserve and be proud of,” AwangTengah said. At the function, the minister announced a RM50,000 allocation from him, RM30,000 from Assistant Minister of Public Utilities (Water Supply) Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran, as well as RM10,000 each from Dennis and Ripin for the association to run their activities.