The Sarawak Initiatives (TSI), a local human rights civil society commends the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for the statement he made on Tuesday 20th October 2020 at the launching of the Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) and the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DCCI) headquarters at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, where he proclaimed that development in Sarawak must be the responsibility of all communities and that no one single community can rule the state alone. TSI is very happy and encouraged by the Chief Minister’s view that coincides exactly with one of TSI’s five main objectives, that is to promote a peaceful and harmonious living environment where there must be equality among the various ethnic groups in all aspects: politics, economics, religions and cultures and other aspects.
TSI fully support the Chief Minister’s point that collective responsibility and inclusivity must form part of Sarawak’s approach in the pursuit of our development. TSI believes there is no other way to develop Sarawak to become competitive with the globalized world by 2030 unless every community comes together to play their role. On the other hand, we will inevitably become a failed state if we pursue the path of exclusivity, dominance and marginalization. Following such a path will bring about political and economic instability.
TSI is particularly pleased that the Sarawak Government has agreed to give a grant of RM20 million for the construction of the 9-storey Panggau Dayak Towers for the DCF and the DCCI. The project is also in line with TSI’s two main objectives: to create a Sarawak Identity based on its rich and unique diversities and to promote a healthy economy. TSI hopes that the Towers when completed will highlight a Dayak character in order to further enrich and diversify our architectural heritage in our capital city.