Dayak Association Miri

Persatuan Dayak Miri (DAM) held its Bienniel General Meeting on Saturday, 16th February 2008 at Gymkana Club, Miri. It was officiated by YB Dato’ Sri William Mawan ak. Ikom, the Minister for Social Development and Urbanisation, and attended by more than 60 members. The BGM was held six months early in line with the revised Constitution of the Association.

In his welcoming speech, the Acting President, Mr. Alexander Isut ak. Karin, highlighted a number of issues affecting the community in general, to the Guest of Honour. They were the shortage of Iban community leaders in Miri, the shortage of burial ground for pagan Dayaks in Miri and the need to address issues relating to legality or otherwise of longhouses sited on lands cleared after 1958.

The Acting President also recorded the Association’s appreciation for the leadership, sacrifices and contribution rendered by the President, Mr. Jonathan Bedindang, who have left for an overseas assignment in August 2007. He also expressed his gratitude and thanks to three CEC members who did not wish to seek re-election – Mr. Jetli Jelian, the Secretary General, Mr. Kadir ak. Ngumbang, the Treasurer and Norman Ingka, a CEC member for their services.

The election of Office Bearers for the 2008-2009 term went smoothly as there was no contest for all positions. The new Office Bearers are as follows:

President : Mr. Alexander Isut Karin
V. President : Mr. Martin Entamin
Sec. General : Mr. Ellison Ludan
Asst. Sec. Gen : Mr. Khusyairy Pangkas
Treasurer : Mdm. Serawa Budol
Asst. Treasurer : Mr. Jassparo Timboo

Committee Members:
- Cr. Vincent Jinggut
- Mr. Henry Jawan
- Mr. Mathew Benson Mounsey
- Mr. Leban Dagang
- Mr. Anthony Francis Umpau
- Miss Sumi Maleng
- Mr. Rodrick Talap
- Mdm. Sandra Richard
- Mr. Henry Edward Tarang
- Mr. James Joshua Guang (Youth Section)
- Mdm. Julia Jugak (Women Section)

Also reelected as Advisors were past Presidents, Dr. Nuing Jeluing and Cr. Benjamin Angki while Mr. Angking Embah was appointed as Legal Advisor.

YB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Alfred Jabu, the Deputy Chief Minister, was reappointed as the Patron of the Association.

In his acceptance speech, the President requested all new CEC members to work together in facing the challenges ahead of them and in trying to meet members’ expectation so that it could bring the Association to new heights. Culture and Education would continue to be the focus of the Association with emphasis on reaching out to a wider Dayak/Iban audience. Hence there will also be activities related to membership drive.