RESULTS of a recent survey that revealed that Sarawakian Dayaks ministers and deputy ministers were allegedly performing poorly at state and federal ministries have touched a raw nerve among ruling state politicians.
Several Sarawak politicians from the ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) have been offended and openly stated they are upset over the survey that criticised the effectiveness of these Dayak politicians.
The recent survey was carried out by Prof Dr Jayum Jawan who is a member of the National Unity Advisory Council and fellow of Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
The survey questioned groups of professionals, academicians, businessmen and people on the streets over the performance of Dayak elected representatives who are holding ministerial posts in the Sarawak and Federal Cabinets.
There are 18 Dayaks politicians holding posts as state and federal ministers and deputy ministers as well as one Dayak who holds a deputy premier post.
Among them, only Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi scored above 60 marks, according to Dr. Jayum.
Two scored the borderline passing mark of about 50 while all the others scored less than 50, including a few who got only about 35 marks.
Nanta is Kapit Member of Parliament and he scored 65 marks in Dr. Jayum's survey.
Dr. Jayum released a press statement stating the overall dissatisfaction against these Dayak ministers and deputy ministers.
"The findings should serve as a wake-up call. These Dayak elected representatives holding posts in the state and federal cabinets must improve their effectiveness in serving the rakyat," he said.
Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) which is a component party of GPS expressed its dissatisfaction over the survey.
PRS Youth Chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan, who is a deputy state minister, said the survey had targeted Dayak politicians unfairly.
He also questioned who Dr. Jayum had interviewed.
"The survey is unfair as those interviewed may not have an accurate idea of the tasks and responsibilities of the respective ministers and deputy ministers.
"The survey is only of limited scope and does not reflect the views across society," he said.
GPS backbone party - Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) - also said it was unhappy about the survey and asked why it targeted Dayak politicians.
PBB Vice President Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Karim Hamzah asked why the Chinese and Malay ministers and deputy ministers were not covered by the survey.
"The survey only interviewed a small number of people and it targeted the Dayak politicians.
"Is there an ulterior motive as the state election is nearing? he asked.
PBB Wanita chief Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the survey may not be comprehensive enough if it was only targeted at limited respondents.
She, however, said that there is always room for improvement in terms of serving the rakyat and this applies not just to the Dayak politicians but to all politicians of every race and ethnic group in Sarawak.
The Sarawak state election is due only in the later half of next year, but there are talks it could be held much earlier. - January 7, 2025
