By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 15: Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) has urged Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) to focus on its own agenda and to avoid using the Dayak cause as a political leverage point to gain popularity or score political mileage.
In a press statement, PBDS permanent chairman, Dr John Brian Anthony, said that the party had taken note of recent comments and gestures by PBK, which appear to express support for certain positions they have taken, particularly on indigenous issues.
“While PBDS acknowledges the right of all political parties to comment on matters of public interest, we feel compelled to issue this statement to set the record straight.
“PBDS was formed with a clear and unwavering mission: to represent, protect, and empower the Dayak people of Sarawak politically, economically, and culturally. Our struggle is rooted in the history, identity, and aspirations of the Dayak community, and we have paid the price of marginalisation to uphold our integrity and independence.
“We respectfully urge PBK and any other political entities to avoid using the Dayak cause as a political leverage point to gain popularity or score political mileage.
“If your cause is strong, let it stand on its own merit. Do not ride on the Dayak name without truly understanding or representing our struggles on the ground,” he said.
Furthermore, he encouraged PBK to focus on its platform and vision, as Sarawakians deserve to see what PBK stands for in action, rather than merely commenting on what other parties are doing.
True collaboration among Sarawak-based parties, he said, must be based on mutual respect, clear boundaries, and recognition of each other’s unique identity and struggles.
“PBDS remains open to genuine dialogue and cooperation with any party that shares our values of justice, equity, and indigenous empowerment, but not at the expense of our community’s dignity or political autonomy.
“Let each party speak for its people, work on its mission, and be judged by its performance, not by political theatrics,” he said. — DayakDaily
