While GE14 is on the minds and lips of every Malaysian right now, Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDS Baru) is looking ahead to Sarawak’s next state election, which is only due in 2021.

The main agenda on the party manifesto for the state election is “ordaining” a Dayak as chief minister of Sarawak, if it is voted in.

Party youth chief Rapelson Richard Hamit said this in a statement yesterday, but gave no details as to how this will be achieved or even a hint of who could possibly be the chief minister from among the Dayak community.

However, tracing back history, he said the first Sarawak Dayak chief minister was Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan (photo) who was appointed on Sarawak Independence Day on July 22, 1963.

Stephen was appointed as chief minister by then Sarawak governor Alexander Waddell. He held the position till Sept 23, 1966.

Rapelson claims that Stephen, who was elected by the people, was nudged out by former chief ministers Abdul Taib Mahmud and Abdul Rahman Ya’kub in 1966 with the help of the federal government led by Tunku Abdul Rahman.

According to him, Stephen was deprived of his office by then state governor Abang Johari Openg and was replaced by the second Dayak chief minister, Tawi Sli.   

“That period was known as the Sarawak Constitutional Crisis,” said Rapelson.

“Now, we at PBDS Baru are honouring Stephen’s services for championing the cause of Sarawak and the Dayaks.

“Although Stephen and many of the previous Dayak leaders are no more, Dayakism and the Sarawak spirit will never fade as the Gen Y will embrace them and carry them through,” he added.  

According to him, PBDS Baru is the relevant party for championing for a Dayak chief minister to head the state.

“The party will also ceaselessly strive for the resolution of many issues affecting the Dayak people.

“The issues are the Dayak Native Customary (NCR) Land Rights, the rural economic gap, job opportunities for Dayaks in the public sector, restoring MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963), eradicating poverty and honouring Article 153 of the Federal Constitution.”  

According to him, this manifesto was raised since the Tanjung Datu by-election last year.

“Can Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) offer what we offer?” he asked, adding, “We are demanding for a Dayak chief minister heading a Dayak party.   

“We are also pushing for a higher percentage in taxes for our natural resources, especially for our oil and gas reserves,” he added.

Rapelson also said the party will push for the empowerment of women and will be setting up a women’s movement.