MIRI (March 24): The Federation of Orang Ulu Associations Malaysia (Forum) Sarawak’s very own building premises at Jalan Padang Kerbau here is a result of a collective effort, said Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala.

The Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department said the Forum building, funded by an initial grant of RM25 million from Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, represents a great achievement for the Orang Ulu community.

“I still remember that there was an Orang Ulu house in Kuching in the 1970s; however, for reasons I can’t explain, that Orang Ulu house is gone but God has replaced it with something better,” he said in his speech at the opening of Forum’s 9th biennial delegate conference here yesterday.

“Now, all nine associations under Forum have their own offices and they no longer need to borrow external premises for their activities or meetings,” he added.

Gerawat, who also serves as Forum’s chief advisor, expressed the federation’s pride in having all nine Orang Ulu groups united under one umbrella, while also revealing the possible addition of another ethnic group association to Forum.

The nine associations currently under Forum are Persatuan Kayan Sarawak, Persatuan Kebangsaan Kenyah Sarawak, Persatuan Lunbawang Sarawak, Rurum Kelabit Sarawak, Persatuan Berawan Sarawak, Persatuan Masyarakat Saban Sarawak, Persatuan Lakiput Sarawak, Persatuan Bisaya Sarawak, and Persatuan Pembangunan Tipun Penan Sarawak.

He further commented on the small representation of the Orang Ulu community, standing at approximately 6 per cent of Malaysia’s total population.

For that, he called upon the Orang Ulu people to stay united in order for their voice to be heard.

“I am proud to see many community leaders attending this conference today and it demonstrates their strong support towards Forum,” he said.

All Orang Ulu elected representatives politicians, he added, are from the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition, including Ba Kelalan assemblyman.

“For this, we must work closely together within Forum. This is something we must maintain and defend so that the Orang Ulu voice is given attention and a more effective role.

“With our unity, good cooperation, and performance, we will certainly be given the trust to hold heavier, greater responsibilities,” said Gerawat.

Meanwhile, outgoing Forum president Kennedy Chukpai Ugon in his speech thanked Abang Johari and the state government for the support in the acquisition of the Forum building premises.

The Murum assemblyman, in his farewell note, thanked Forum’s leaders and committee members for their support throughout his tenure as president.

Present were Lawas MP Dato Henry Sum Agong, Forum deputy president cum Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau, Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Palu Ngumbang, and former Forum president Datu Antonio Kahti Galis.