SIBU: The Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) may form a separate entity to carry out business activities to ensure its sustainability.
Its president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom said this would allow the organisation to diversify its income sources beyond relying on government grants
He said the organisation can perform this in the form of a business joint venture or collaboration.
“SDNU is not a business organisation, but there is no law prohibiting us from establishing a separate business entity.
“So, we can form an entity outside it. This could be a business hub, a collaboration, or a joint venture.
“This, I think, is the only way that will sustain our organisation’s operations and programme,” he said after officiating at the SDNU Sibu Golden Jubilee celebration on Saturday night (Dec 7).
Mawan, who is also adviser in the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development), suggested that the proposed business entity at branch levels could explore opportunities under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP).
“As I have said before, for any community organisation to push forward social, cultural, and economic programmes, we need government support and understanding.
“In this context, we must survive with cooperation and assistance in order to thrive,” he said.
During the event, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas pledged RM50,000 for SDNU, while Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing contributed RM20,000 through his representative, Agatha Ting.
In addition, allocations of RM10,000 each were pledged by Mawan, Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, Krian assemblyman Friday Belik, and Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat Jubin. Deputy Minister of International Trade and Investment Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh also pledged RM5,000.
Also present were SDNU Sibu chairman Chambai Lindong, Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) president Datuk Alice Jawan Empaling and former Tamin assemblyman Datuk Joseph Mauh.
