Those are the people that fight "Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban" for the people of Sarawak. They were the front liner of the confrontation. They were fighting not because of money but because of their loyalty and integrity to Sarawak. They dare to die for Sarawak. They are the real hero. Yes they are.
Sad to see the picture. Nobody seem to care. Nobody seem to acknowledge their struggle in defending this country. Very few people remember them. And now they live in a longhouse, talking about their past. Yes, they want to tell their stories. Great one. Great warrior. But, not many ears want to listen. And now, they are the forgotten heros. Not only being forgotten. But considered as second class bumiputera in the book. And no class in the mind of some people.
In Bakong, December 1997, they were shot by Malaysian Police Field Force like animals for defending their land. One was killed. People come and invade the jungle, their only bank account, take their timber and left them with muddy water and barren land. They were blame for the smoke in the sky. Slash & burn method of farming have been used by the Dayak hundreds of years ago. Why only now we get haze? The burning season is only in July and August. Can't they see the logic?? Or are they trying to tell the world to look down on the Dayak?? To hate the Dayak?? To inform the world that the Dayak are destroying their own environment?? To divert world attention to the Dayak instead of the real culprit??
Maybe not. They need the Dayak for their rich culture. Ask the Dayak to concentrate more on their culture than education. Culture-know-how of the Dayak brings tourist in. Bring in money. And only fraction of the money goes to the Dayak. Exaggerate the picture, the Dayak are the animals in the zoo!!
In Hawaii, the money from their culture village, goes to the education fund of the indigenous Hawaiian. In Kalimantan Barat, the timber company must build and seal the road before they are allowed to take the timber, only within a certain distance from the road they built. Our politicians do not do it because they want maximum profit. You think our politicians do not have such idea? If they don't, then they are nuts, just nuts, real nuts.
Well, I guess I better stop here. Why am I bother about all this? I also wonder why. I am not living in rural area. I am not getting anything from the tourist. The water I drink is still clean although they cut down all the tress. What are those forgotten heroes, tourist, timber, culture have to do with me. Some one may think I am busy body or come up to me and ask, "Why do you bother to help your people when you are getting almost what you want?" I will take a deep breath and say it loud and clear, "Helping each other is our culture!"
Your comment is welcome. Email to me at Panggau Libau
Panggau Ruai: www.geocities.com/uthan.geo
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