Tenom: State Rural Development Minister Datuk Rubin Balang has called on the Dayak Okolod Borneo Association (PDOB) to place stronger emphasis on economic and educational development to uplift future generations.
He said such focus is essential to ensure members of the community can stand on equal footing with other ethnic groups in the state.
“We must ensure economic and educational development goes hand in hand with the current progress of the state and nation,” he said after officiating the PDOB triennial general meeting in Tenom on Saturday.
Rubin, who is also Kemabong Assemblyman, said all ethnic associations in Sabah should prioritise both sectors to improve the living standards and long-term prospects of their communities.
He also suggested that Murut-related ethnic associations, including PDOB, come under the umbrella of the Persatuan Murut Sabah (PMS), which he currently leads.
He said PMS would be restructured soon to allow presidents of Murut-based associations to be included in its committee.
At the event, Rubin praised PDOB for complying with its constitutional requirements in holding its general meeting, and urged other associations to do the same.
He also announced a RM10,000 contribution to the PDOB fund.
During the meeting, several community figures were honoured, including Malur Taliyor as Ethnic Icon of the Year 2026, while Sinimpong Ganjau and Richard Angang Damit received awards for heritage, customs and cultural contributions. Musa Angau was also recognised for adat and cultural leadership.
The awards were presented by Rubin, who also handed certificates of appreciation to PDOB committee members for the 2023–2026 term.
