PKS Sibu to unite Kayans, preserve heritage

SIBU : The establishment of the Sarawak Kayan Association (PKS) Sibu branch is aimed not merely at increasing membership but at providing a platform to unite the Kayan community, safeguard its welfare and ensure its language, culture and customs are passed down to future generations.

PKS president Datuk Dennis Ngau said the strength of an association should not be measured solely by its membership or financial standing, but by its ability to serve and respond to the needs of the community.

He said the association should serve as a platform connecting the Kayan community, particularly those living in Sibu and surrounding areas, while extending assistance to those facing hardship or in need of support.

“Our goal is to build a Kayan community that is united, concerned about one another’s welfare and able to make positive contributions to the wider community,” he said at the launch of PKS Sibu here on Saturday (Oct 10) night.

Dennis said the establishment of the branch was timely as many Kayans had migrated to and settled in Sibu for employment, further studies, business opportunities and to build their lives with their families.

He said having an official platform was important to ensure Kayans living in the city remained connected to their community while providing them with a channel to obtain information, support and assistance when needed.

He stressed that the branch leadership must carry out its responsibilities sincerely, as holding a position in the association was not merely about having a title but accepting the responsibility to serve.

Dennis said one of the branch’s priorities should be to foster a culture of mutual assistance, particularly when members faced health problems, financial difficulties or other situations requiring community support.

“When a Kayan family faces difficulties, let us not remain silent and merely be observers. If we can, lend a helping hand, provide support and help them get the assistance they need.

“If not us, who else?” said Dennis, who is also Telang Usan assemblyman.

Meanwhile, he said the PKS Sibu Branch should also serve as a bridge between the Kayan community and government departments, agencies and relevant institutions, making it easier for community members to obtain information and understand the assistance available to them.

On heritage preservation, Dennis said serious attention must be given to ensuring the Kayan language, culture and customs continued to thrive, particularly among the younger generation growing up in urban areas.

He said the PKS Sibu branch could consider organising Kayan language classes, cultural education programmes and activities introducing the community’s traditional music, dances, attire and customs.

Senior citizens and cultural practitioners should also be given opportunities to share their knowledge and experiences to ensure the community’s heritage continued to be learned and passed down to future generations, he said.

To ensure the branch continues to grow, Dennis challenged its leadership to achieve a membership of at least 200 by the end of 2026 and 300 by the end of 2027.

He also encouraged Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) students to become involved in the branch committee, providing opportunities for young people to contribute ideas and develop a new generation of leaders.

More than 400 guests attended the ceremony, including PKS deputy president and Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Thomas Bang Balan; PKS Sibu chairman Ujang Anyie; organising chairman Bos Among; and Bintulu Division Kayan community leader Pemanca Umek Jeno.

Dennis (seated, centre) poses for a commemorative photograph with members of the PKS Sibu committee led by Ujang (seated, 3rd right).