The Ibans are being marginalised, sidelined or discriminated in terms of job opportunities and promotions in government departments, agencies and statutory bodies, claimed a prominent community leader.

"The heads/directors of government departments, agencies or statutory bodies both at state and federal levels do not seem to reflect the racial composition of which the Iban represents about 30 of the state's 2.5 million population," Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) president Nicholas Bawin told the Parliamentary Select Committee on Intergrity at its public hearing in Kuching yesterday.

He said some if not most retired senior officers who serve in the civil service are extended either in the same positions or other appointments for a number of years, subject to their health condition.

"We hope this consideration will apply to every race," he added.

The Dayak including Iban make up nearly 50% of Sarawak's population and the largest single community, followed by the Chinese and Malay.

Rotate posts

Bawin told the committee chaired by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Bernard Dompok ( left ) that the posts of heads of departments, agencies or statutory bodies should be rotated at a reasonable regular periods so as to allow opportunities for all senior officers to serve in different capacities.

"On this matter, manipulation and abuse of power can be minimised and eradicated gradually," he pointed out.

Further, the state's largest union chief also referred to the term 'bumiputera' and suggested it be made to apply to the indigenous natives of Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, including the Malays, Dayaks (Iban/Bidayuh/Orang Ulu) of Sarawak and the Kadazandusun-Muruts of Sabah.

He said there had been cases in Malacca of Dayaks not being recognised holding bumiputera status.

Bawin urged the government to make serious efforts to eradicate corruption and any form of malpractice in the country.

"So long as corruption and other forms of malpractices are still rampant in the country, it is difficult to achieve the national integration as expected as this can lead to mistrust, hatred, misunderstanding, disunity, jealousy and inferiority complex among the people," he said.

Back corruption eradication

SDNU strongly supported the call by the Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to fight and eradicate corruption in the country at all cost, he added.

He said the Dayaks felt that some government agencies involved in implementing government policies do not seem to carry out the policies fairly.

"This can be seen clearly after 43 years of Independence," he added.

In Sarawak, development is found to be concentrated largely in urban centres where basic amenities are provided for the people.

"However, in the rural areas the scenario is differnet as there are areas where people do not enjoy the same privileges as the urban dwellers," he said.

He gave rural schools lacking adequate facilities similar to the ones in towns as an example.

Bawin also said many people in the rural areas still do not have identity cards and that they face numerous problems when applying for one.