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Borneo Herald
9.40AM MYT, 21-2-2026
To the Dayak Community of Sarawak
By Voon Lee Shan
KUCHING : For too long, certain political actors have used fear-based messaging to influence our people. Phrases such as *“Anang Ngelaban Perintah”* (“Do not fight the government”) are repeatedly invoked to discourage legitimate democratic participation and silence rightful concerns.
Let us be clear:
Standing up for our rights is not fighting the government. It is exercising our democratic responsibility within the law.
A government is not owned by any political party. It belongs to the people. The schools our children attend, the clinics that treat our families, the roads that connect our longhouses — these are built using public funds contributed by the rakyat. They are not gifts from any political party, nor are they tools to threaten or intimidate voters.
1. Protecting Our Rights is Lawful and Just
PBK affirms that defending Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, cultural heritage, and constitutional rights is legitimate and lawful. Seeking transparency, accountability, and fairness is not rebellion — it is responsible citizenship.
No citizen should be made to feel that exercising democratic choice will result in punishment or withdrawal of public services. Such narratives are irresponsible and undermine the spirit of democracy.
2. Reject Politics of Fear
We urge Dayaks not to be swayed by fear-based campaigns that suggest:
* Development depends on loyalty to a particular political party.
* Public facilities will disappear if leadership changes.
* Questioning leaders equals disloyalty.
A functioning government continues regardless of which party holds office. Administrations change, but civil service, institutions, and public infrastructure remain to serve the people.
3. Think Critically, Choose Wisely
Not everything spoken by leaders should be accepted without reflection. Leaders, like all individuals, may have personal motives or political agendas. We encourage all voters to:
* Evaluate policies, not personalities.
* Examine track records, not rhetoric.
* Ask who truly benefits from certain decisions.
Democracy requires informed and thoughtful citizens — not blind loyalty.
4. Unity and Dignity of the Dayak People
The strength of the Dayak community lies in unity, wisdom, and courage. Our forefathers protected our land, customs, and dignity with resilience. Today, our struggle is not through confrontation, but through knowledge, lawful action, and responsible voting.
We must not allow ourselves to be divided or manipulated. The future of Sarawak belongs to all its people — not to any single group of politicians.
*Parti Bumi Kenyalang calls upon all Dayaks:*
* Do not fear exercising your democratic rights.
* Do not be misled by threats disguised as advice.
* Protect your rights within the law.
* Vote with wisdom, courage, and conscience.
A government should serve the people — not the other way around.
Let us move forward with clarity, dignity, and unity for the future of Sarawak.
Voon Lee Shan is the current president of a Sarawak political party, Parti Bumi Kenyalang#~Borneo Herald™
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