Sarawak party urges recognition of Dayak as official ethnic classification

The Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak has formally urged the government to elevate Dayak status to an official ethnic classification, contending that the current administrative practice of categorizing the community under 'Others' in government forms and databases fails to reflect the group's distinct identity and historical significance.

The party's push comes amid growing advocacy from indigenous communities across Sarawak for greater recognition within Malaysia's formal administrative structures. Officials from the party argue that the existing classification system inadequately represents the Dayak population, which comprises multiple sub-groups including Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities.

The request highlights broader questions about ethnic data collection and representation in Malaysia's census and government records. Supporters of the measure contend that formal recognition would improve data accuracy, enhance community representation in policy-making, and acknowledge the cultural distinctiveness of Dayak peoples in the region.

Government agencies have not yet issued formal responses to the request, though the matter reflects ongoing discussions among policymakers regarding the categorization of indigenous populations within national administrative systems.