KUCHING (Aug 1): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has called on Dayak non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to work hand in hand with the government in helping the Dayak community to progress and prosper.

“We have now many NGOs. We certainty need their collaboration to reach out to the various sectors of our community. As Sarawak continues to develop and prosper and particularly through its Post Covid -19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, our people should all benefit,” he said.

He said this in a statement issued after receiving a courtesy call from the Dayak National Congress (DNC) led by its president Richard Lias at the former’s office here today.

Uggah said although Sarawak has been declared a high-income region by the World Bank, there are still those who need to be assisted so that they could generate good regular income on their own.

He opined that this is where the NGOs could play their roles in explaining to the people the many government policies and programmes aimed at generating income.

“We must play our part in informing and educating them. We also want them to keep abreast with progress that we are making. We are after all an inclusive government,” he said.

Towards this end, Uggah suggested that the NGOs collaborate with government departments and agencies.

He said many NGOs, which have been helping victims of any disaster, could coordinate with the relevant government agencies at the district-level to avoid any duplication, adding that this would ensure the best use of all available resources.

Meanwhile, Richard said the visit was to inform Uggah about the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024 celebration, hosted by his organisation in the city from Aug 9 to 10.

“We are also extending our invitation to him to attend. We of course greatly welcome any opportunity to work with the government in the betterment of our community in the true spirit of Segulai Sejalai,” he added.

On the coming celebration, Richard said there will be a forum and a cultural dinner.

He said three international and 26 local Dayak NGOs, along with five from Sabah and 17 from Indonesia, are expected to attend.

He added that Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Gapari Kitingan is among the distinguished guests expected at the forthcoming event.