Mawan Determined To Complete Rumah Dayak

KUCHING: Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) president Tan Sri William Mawan is determined to get the proposed new Rumah Dayak moving again in spite of copious criticisms and shortfalls.

Mawan said yesterday that SDNU, the developer Canjaya Sdn Bhd and the contractors were putting their heads together to find solutions to the long delayed project.

“SDNU only has a 20 per cent stake in the whole project, with the rest belonging to the developer. It would be unfair to pin everything on SDNU.

“As things were left to us, we are taking the lead to clear the way for support for the project,” he said after receiving the old Rumah Dayak plaque from The Borneo Post reporter Matthew Timbang Umpang here.

Social Development Minister Mawan said the project was mired in a myriad of complex issues and hoped that all obstacles would be resolved soon.

“Hopefully, all problems causing the delay can be solved very soon. Give it a couple more years. Let the developer and contractors get their job done the best they can.”

The project, which is situated along the busy Jalan Satok here, costs RM28.5 million and basically comprises a tower block and shophouses.

Phase 1, said Mawan, consists of seven units of shoplots. They are expected to be completed in June this year.

As for Phase II which covers the 12-storey tower, he said its foundation work had been completed.

“The area for public use is actually completed and activities will need to be intensified.”

It is understood that the first problem facing the project was Kuching North City Commission (DBKU)’s disapproval of its building structure and planning design shortly after construction started in 2005.

The contract was then awarded to another developer, but the project again stalled eventually due to financial woes.

Source from The Borneo Post : http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/03/28/mawan-determined-to-complete-rumah-dayak/#ixzz2OvQuGuuE

Steps To Protect Integrity Of Gawai On The Cards — Mawan

There have been instances where Gawai Dayak and ‘ngiling bidai’ (closing of Gawai) are organised by the non-Dayak community for the fun of it. This is strange.

Then there are those who celebrate Gawai, but skip ‘ngiling bidai’. This is strange.

Certain quarters organise ‘ngiling bidai’, but did not celebrate Gawai. This is strange.

At the moment, there is no specific duration for the Gawai celebration. This means the ‘ngiling bidai’ can be held at anytime. This is strange.

Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan, who observed these over the years, said steps must be taken to ‘standardise’ the celebration to ensure that it did not deviate from its true spirit

“A standardised celebration will prevent this signature cultural occasion of the Dayak community from being abused by those who have shallow understanding of Dayak cultures,” he said at a ‘ngiling bidai’ ceremony at Rumah Matu Dingun, Sungai Sawa,
Engkamop Road, here on Saturday.

To straighten things out, he said there were many issues which needed to be looked into.

“To start the ball rolling, my ministry will initiate a special forum involving Dayak NGOs (non-governmental organisations).

“I hope the participants will give positive and constructive inputs so that the forum will yield positive results.”

Mawan said among the other areas which need to be looked into is the duration of the celebration.

“I suggest that the celebration be only one month long. As Gawai Dayak is celebrated on June 1 every year, the most appropriate date to hold a `ngiling bidai’ ceremony should be fixed on June 30.”

He lamented that currently the ceremony could be held at any time because there was no specific duration for the Gawai celebration.

“Even if the festive occasion is too good to be stopped, it has to conclude by a certain time to enable everyone to get on with their lives.”

Mawan added that only the Dayak community could organise Gawai or `ngiling bidai’ , otherwise the celebration would not be proper.

“Therefore, efforts must be put in place to protect and preserve the integrity of Gawai Dayak as the main festival and identity of Dayak community.”

Among those present were Puan Sri Julia Mawan,  Sarikei Resident Michael Dawi Alli, Pakan district officer Inting Nyamie, political secretaries to the Chief Minister Paul Igai and Peter Howell, Julau Jasa liaison officer Sylvester Embuas, Temenggong Mambu Ikom and organising chairman Antau Sampao.

* Taken from Borneo Post online : http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/07/02/steps-to-protect-integrity-of-gawai-on-the-cards-mawan/#ixzz20TtG5UlF