We are the Olympian Dayaks

Pandelela Rinong, An Inspiration For Bidayuh

KUCHING: The Bidayuh community in Sarawak last night honoured Olympic bronze medallist Pandelela Rinong Pamg and fellow Olympian Traisy Vivien Tukiet with monetary contributions from the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) and life membership.

Pandelela, 19, from Kampung Jugan, Bau, near here received RM30,000 while Traisy, 18, from Kampung Seromah, Bau, received RM8,000 at the DBNA Olympian appreciation dinner for the two Bidayuh lasses.

Speaking at the rousing reception, which was steeped in tradition, Pandelela said the journey to become Malaysia's first woman Olympic medallist from the age of nine had been a “very tough” one. “In every game, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but from the defeat you gain something and try not to be satisfied with your victory by improving and learn something new.” she said

She said the support shown by everyone, including her community, would spur her to achieve greater heights in the sport.

She won the bronze medal in the 10-metre platform dive event at the just-concluded 2012 London Summer Olympics.

In congratulating her and Traisy, who secured 22nd place in the same event, State Infrastructure Development and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin said both of them were among the best divers in Malaysia, making them not only the pride of the Bidayuh community but also of the state and the whole nation.

He also commended their parents who had been giving them relentless and total support and encouragement and, on top of all, for their great sacrifices. - Bernama

Serian Wet Market

Serian wet market

Ngiling Tikar

Ngiling Tikar is a closing ceremony on Gawai Festival in Sarawak. Here my village, Kpg Batu Bedang is hosting the occation. It was a fun event. I left early that night to avoid getting drunk. There was plenty of rice wine and was served non-stop.

Safoca Tower

Thanks to Safoca, you make my life easier.

Serian Town

Part of Serian town, a district in Samarahan Division, Sarawak. Seen in this picture, SUPP office where elected member of parliment YB Datuk Richard Riot service his people.

Old school friends may battle for Serian

Posted on September 11, 2011, Sunday

KUCHING: The Serian parliamentary seat may see a battle between two old friends.

EDWARD ANDREW LUAK

Incumbent Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Richard Riot, who has indicated his readiness to defend the seat for the sixth term, may face his former schoolmate Edward Andrew Luak.

Edward, who is Democratic Action Party (DAP) Serian chairman, is a strong favourite to be nominated as Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) candidate for the seat.

When contacted, Riot said he is aware of DAP’s movements on the ground in Serian to canvass for support.

Like a true gentleman, Riot said he did not want to run down his opponent and wished Edward the best of luck.

“Edward was my schoolmate. He was two years my junior in school. I know his family too.

DATUK RICHARD RIOT

“But I don’t like to run down my opponents. I know they (DAP) have moved around (in Serian). We live in a democratic system, and may the best man win,” he said in a telephone interview. On Friday, Edward, 58, a retired Shell employee, said he is ready to face off with Riot, who is a Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) central working committee member, in the coming general election.

“If given the chance by my party, I will be ready to face my friend Datuk Richard in Serian in the coming election,” Edward said. “There is a strong wind of change among the Bidayuh (in Serian) for better governance, better accountability and to fight corruption and cronyism.”

He also stressed that he was never a Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) member, but admitted offering himself as a candidate for PBB in the Kedup seat during the last state election.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/09/11/old-school-friends-may-battle-for-serian/#ixzz1f0VjeOZc