A MATTER OF IDENTITY AND UNITY

The hottest issue that has swept the Orang Ulu people - literally means 'People of the Up-river' - about the change of name from such descriptive name to one that will reflect dignity, unity and identity.

HOW THE TERM CAME ABOUT.

Yes, the term Orang Ulu to describe the different dialects of these native people of Sarawak has not been well-accepted by many. But some who have grown up to know the name and accept it. To most people, the term is quite derogatory and is not a name that was identified and told to other people out side of this community. It was believed to be given by "OTHER" communities to describe all those living in the upper reaches of the rivers in Sarawak.

THE NEED TO CHANGE IS NECESSARY

It was due to this realisation that a new name to identify all the different dialects within these communities a name was proposed to call all of them with ONE NAME. It was along this line that a name such as the LUN DAYA was proposed to call and identify ALL of these races.

However, it did not go well with many people from several races, especially those from the Kayan, Kenyah races. That's understandable, considering that the Kayan and Kenyah races are quite numerous, but the word did not come from either one. The word Lun Daya comes for the Lun Bawang and Kelabit tribes, which are not as numerous as compared to the Kayan and Kenyah.

For two straight weeks, stinging oppositions were in the newspapers, which did not accept the word Lun Daya. Some said the meaning of the word in their dialects was even more degradable.
But the need to change the Orang Ulu appears to be necessary. After all, without proper re-naming of the OU community, identity crisis of the different races that make up the community continues to haunt them.

GO BACK TO THE PEOPLE TO DECIDE

Since the idea to change the term Orang Ulu to Lun Daya appeared to be mooted by several political leaders as well as some governmental high ranking officers in the community, it has been receiving strong opposition.

To solve matter in a more democratic and acceptable manner, some thing must be done. The best suggestion is to take the matter to the ORDINARY people and let ALL the people from the villages take part and ask them of their views, suggestions and proposals.

A committee must be formed to carry-out the change process.

So, I need your suggestions from now and let us find a solution to not only unite us, but help us create our own identity in this little world of ours. Let me know of your comments, constructive ones, that is!

THE MIGHT HORNBILL...