First-Thing-First, (I remember Unggal Anthony Belon asked me to buy this book some times ago...), we need to answer these questions:
I really don’t foresee any problem for SDNU, SGDA, SADIA, PGBS and other Dayak NGOs to setup their respective DTT if it’s for Dayak special interest or "Dayak-Specific", right?
Faced with a complex domestic and international situation, Dayaks have to make and undertake great efforts to boost the development of their Think Tanks; for the Dayak, with the Dayak and to the Dayak if they want to be at par with others and internationally!
When we talk of "Dayak Think Tank (DTT)" it has a vast roles and responsibility, not just political interest! Technically a Think Tank is an established organization consisting of a group of experts who provide advice and ideas on various issues, especially in politics regional, economics, social, technology, international, law and environmental fields (PRESTILE).
According to Wikipedia;
A Think Tank (or policy institute) is an organization that conducts research and engages in advocacy in areas such as social policy, political strategy, economics, military or technology issues. Most Think Tanks are non-profit organizations, which some countries such as the United States and Canada provide with tax exempt status. Other Think Tanks are funded by governments, advocacy groups, or businesses, or derive revenue from consulting or research work related to their projects
THE WAY FORWARD
Given the complex politics, social and varied economic situations, it would be impractical to expect a few top Dayak leaders or a single Apai to always make right decisions. Therefore, Dayak themselves must collectively working closer together with their subordinates and/or grassroots, and the need to seek advice from their experts in order to make the decision-making process more prudent, scientific and democratic.
Compared to their counterparts (Malays, Chinese and the Indians), Dayak's Think Tank(s) is seen none existing. If there is an established one, it has also failed to analyze the Native society and traditional culture as well as today's grassroots situation.
In my view and hope, it is about time that all Dayaks (current or retired government officials, business leaders, public intellectuals and returnees) must not just leave it all to their politicians to seize their historical/current opportunity or to absorb outstanding talent at home and abroad and/or to make full use of domestic resources but to maximize their own advantages to better serve Dayak's special interests; politics, economic, law, cultural and social developments.
Dayak Think Tank (DTT) must work proactively and played significant roles in not only offering suggestions to the “5 years Dayak Action Plan” for it members and/or to the government, but also in other government affairs, particularly in a number of issues related to Natives livelihood.
If DTT wants to see Dayaks’ success then it must increasingly active in promoting their personal influence, institutional interests, and policy initiatives through these semi-governmental organizations and/or directly working in hands with the government ie as a “Dayak-Specific Advisory Committee/Commission” or as “Native Affairs Research Center”.
Dayaks need not necessary used 'political vehicles' to pursue their intimate goals and/or agendas. They can use any platform; NGOs, Corporate Vehicles, INGOs, Clubs, Associations and even Cooperatives. But when one is just talking of working with a political party, it's merely a political special interest!
Example: Malaysia has a few numbers of Think Tanks, most which are government or political party related. Their focuses have been on defense, politics and policies. Notable ones include the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS), Malaysian Strategic Research Centre (MSRC) and Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS). IDEAS is Malaysia's first classical liberal Think Tank which is policy oriented. These also include a corporate “Perak Institut Darul Ridzuan Berhad (IDR)”, a Malay NGO “Malay College Old Boys Association (MACOBA)” and many others.
DTT must also actively playing a part in helping the state to achieve its vision under the current leadership, but it is a sad surprise to note that few know about the actual role of IDR and many people in the state are under the notion that it is a think tank which was formed to physically develop the state.
If this new “Dayak Think Tank (DTT)” is to be established then it should at least comprised five (5) academic divisions:
1. Philosophy, Literature and History studies
2. Economics, Equity, Equality, Education and Employment (E5) studies
3. Native Rights, Treaties (Aum) & Laws, Social studies and Political studies
4. Native Governance, Regional & International studies
5. Adat, Cultural & Native Intellectual Property studies
My personal observation working together with my China/HK affiliates/partners abroad
In present-day China, Think Tanks have become not only an important venue for retired government officials to pursue a new phase in their careers, but also a crucial institutional meeting ground where officials, entrepreneurs, and scholars can interact.
Their three (3) trends that deserve my attention;
First, a growing number of government and Party leaders now seek positions in prominent Think Tanks and Universities both during and after their tenure in office.
Second, business leaders from both major state-owned companies and domestic (or Hong Kong-based) private companies now play a crucial role in China’s Think Tanks, gained through the financial contributions these companies make to the Think Tanks in a natural reaction to government policies that strongly affect their businesses.
Third, public intellectuals, especially well-known economists who received Ph.D./ DBS and other degrees in the West, have now become almost equal partners in this tripartite group of Think Tank elites. Indeed, to a certain extent the once-clear distinction between officials and scholars is now blurring as foreign-educated returnees become government leaders.
I hope and I wish to become a team/protem of our Dayak Think Tank (if DTT materialized and not via political platform) that could help to explicate and/or adopt the above three trends for “Dayak Specific”, and thus provide a better understanding of important dynamics in the Dayak political system and policymaking including peacemaking process.
“Dayak Specific” Think Tank herein is technically a focus group of intellectuals/expertise exclusively on Dayakism issues and centers their activities on Dayakism policymaking, peacemaking, humanitarian and development programs.
DTT key areas could focus on/to improve the Dayak’s socioeconomic policies and development programs and plans, helping on the transformation of Dayak corporate companies with the GLCs or State Link Cooperation’s and agencies, seeking ideas and answers for an investor friendly environment that would take into account a people centric public delivery system.
My apology, it’s my personal thought and expression. Thank you.
Notes: If this is a democratic country then everyone shall have their own “Right of Expression” and such democratic expressions utilize academically with ethics and need to be constructive and productive bundle with good ideas, innovations, creativity and solutions. Both good and/or bad opinions are merely our individualistic reflection of thoughts. Good criticism, skepticism and perception are acceptable but need not have to slander others. Negativeness never brings in positivity or productivity.
THERE IS NOTHING WRONG TO WORK WITH ANYONE IF YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM IT LEGITIMATELY.
- What is Dayak Think Tank? (Hopefully not “Think Kosong” or “Tin-Tong”).
- Why it has to be linked with DAP and why not with other Dayak organizations and/or setup independently?
- What keys areas, roles and responsibility does this Dayak Think Tank (DTT) play?
- Why shouldn't DTT works with the current government? Why has to be with Pro-Opposition? Does Pro-Opposition has budget and agenda for Dayak?
- If the DTT is setup purely for the interest of the general Dayaks, would the government be able to provide it with mobilization funds?
- Is DAP-Dayak Think Tank main objective is to challenge the current government ministration or for promoting a joint Chinese-Dayak special interests?
- How would DTT able to boost Dayaks’ development?
- Is DAP-Dayak Think Tank exclusively for DAP members?
- Should PKR-DTT, SNAP-DTT, PAS-DTT, PBDS-DTT, SDNU-DTT, SGDA-DTT, DBNA-DTT, OUNA-DTT, FORUM-DTT, UBF-DTT, DCCI-DTT, MCA-DTT, MIC-DTT, Gerakan-DTT, PPP-DTT, UMNO-DTT, etc and/or other Pro-Government DTT be established? Will there be any conflict of interests?
I really don’t foresee any problem for SDNU, SGDA, SADIA, PGBS and other Dayak NGOs to setup their respective DTT if it’s for Dayak special interest or "Dayak-Specific", right?
Faced with a complex domestic and international situation, Dayaks have to make and undertake great efforts to boost the development of their Think Tanks; for the Dayak, with the Dayak and to the Dayak if they want to be at par with others and internationally!
When we talk of "Dayak Think Tank (DTT)" it has a vast roles and responsibility, not just political interest! Technically a Think Tank is an established organization consisting of a group of experts who provide advice and ideas on various issues, especially in politics regional, economics, social, technology, international, law and environmental fields (PRESTILE).
According to Wikipedia;
A Think Tank (or policy institute) is an organization that conducts research and engages in advocacy in areas such as social policy, political strategy, economics, military or technology issues. Most Think Tanks are non-profit organizations, which some countries such as the United States and Canada provide with tax exempt status. Other Think Tanks are funded by governments, advocacy groups, or businesses, or derive revenue from consulting or research work related to their projects
THE WAY FORWARD
Given the complex politics, social and varied economic situations, it would be impractical to expect a few top Dayak leaders or a single Apai to always make right decisions. Therefore, Dayak themselves must collectively working closer together with their subordinates and/or grassroots, and the need to seek advice from their experts in order to make the decision-making process more prudent, scientific and democratic.
Compared to their counterparts (Malays, Chinese and the Indians), Dayak's Think Tank(s) is seen none existing. If there is an established one, it has also failed to analyze the Native society and traditional culture as well as today's grassroots situation.
In my view and hope, it is about time that all Dayaks (current or retired government officials, business leaders, public intellectuals and returnees) must not just leave it all to their politicians to seize their historical/current opportunity or to absorb outstanding talent at home and abroad and/or to make full use of domestic resources but to maximize their own advantages to better serve Dayak's special interests; politics, economic, law, cultural and social developments.
Dayak Think Tank (DTT) must work proactively and played significant roles in not only offering suggestions to the “5 years Dayak Action Plan” for it members and/or to the government, but also in other government affairs, particularly in a number of issues related to Natives livelihood.
If DTT wants to see Dayaks’ success then it must increasingly active in promoting their personal influence, institutional interests, and policy initiatives through these semi-governmental organizations and/or directly working in hands with the government ie as a “Dayak-Specific Advisory Committee/Commission” or as “Native Affairs Research Center”.
Dayaks need not necessary used 'political vehicles' to pursue their intimate goals and/or agendas. They can use any platform; NGOs, Corporate Vehicles, INGOs, Clubs, Associations and even Cooperatives. But when one is just talking of working with a political party, it's merely a political special interest!
Example: Malaysia has a few numbers of Think Tanks, most which are government or political party related. Their focuses have been on defense, politics and policies. Notable ones include the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS), Malaysian Strategic Research Centre (MSRC) and Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS). IDEAS is Malaysia's first classical liberal Think Tank which is policy oriented. These also include a corporate “Perak Institut Darul Ridzuan Berhad (IDR)”, a Malay NGO “Malay College Old Boys Association (MACOBA)” and many others.
DTT must also actively playing a part in helping the state to achieve its vision under the current leadership, but it is a sad surprise to note that few know about the actual role of IDR and many people in the state are under the notion that it is a think tank which was formed to physically develop the state.
If this new “Dayak Think Tank (DTT)” is to be established then it should at least comprised five (5) academic divisions:
1. Philosophy, Literature and History studies
2. Economics, Equity, Equality, Education and Employment (E5) studies
3. Native Rights, Treaties (Aum) & Laws, Social studies and Political studies
4. Native Governance, Regional & International studies
5. Adat, Cultural & Native Intellectual Property studies
My personal observation working together with my China/HK affiliates/partners abroad
In present-day China, Think Tanks have become not only an important venue for retired government officials to pursue a new phase in their careers, but also a crucial institutional meeting ground where officials, entrepreneurs, and scholars can interact.
Their three (3) trends that deserve my attention;
First, a growing number of government and Party leaders now seek positions in prominent Think Tanks and Universities both during and after their tenure in office.
Second, business leaders from both major state-owned companies and domestic (or Hong Kong-based) private companies now play a crucial role in China’s Think Tanks, gained through the financial contributions these companies make to the Think Tanks in a natural reaction to government policies that strongly affect their businesses.
Third, public intellectuals, especially well-known economists who received Ph.D./ DBS and other degrees in the West, have now become almost equal partners in this tripartite group of Think Tank elites. Indeed, to a certain extent the once-clear distinction between officials and scholars is now blurring as foreign-educated returnees become government leaders.
I hope and I wish to become a team/protem of our Dayak Think Tank (if DTT materialized and not via political platform) that could help to explicate and/or adopt the above three trends for “Dayak Specific”, and thus provide a better understanding of important dynamics in the Dayak political system and policymaking including peacemaking process.
“Dayak Specific” Think Tank herein is technically a focus group of intellectuals/expertise exclusively on Dayakism issues and centers their activities on Dayakism policymaking, peacemaking, humanitarian and development programs.
DTT key areas could focus on/to improve the Dayak’s socioeconomic policies and development programs and plans, helping on the transformation of Dayak corporate companies with the GLCs or State Link Cooperation’s and agencies, seeking ideas and answers for an investor friendly environment that would take into account a people centric public delivery system.
My apology, it’s my personal thought and expression. Thank you.
Notes: If this is a democratic country then everyone shall have their own “Right of Expression” and such democratic expressions utilize academically with ethics and need to be constructive and productive bundle with good ideas, innovations, creativity and solutions. Both good and/or bad opinions are merely our individualistic reflection of thoughts. Good criticism, skepticism and perception are acceptable but need not have to slander others. Negativeness never brings in positivity or productivity.
In my today opinion
ReplyDeleteWe must Communicate well and encourage ourselves to accept different views (that every person has different opinions and it's OK to have disagreements but not to promote confrontation and hatred). “Masam-Masam Manis” munyi ko cherita P.Ramlee....
We must know how to mirror ourselves through other people's opinions too.
When there is an ‘Opinion’ and/or ‘Proposal’ or an ‘Idea’ or “Topic”, always be cautious about it; do your own due-diligence first and work out a plan/strategy, but not suspicious all the time, some people deserve a decent or even a second chance.
We must also learn how to accept different opinions than yours as a challenge towards yourself, don't demand agreement.
Live the present now is what matters and what's real. Have no regrets - live in the present instead of the past.
I do believe what Dr. John Brian stated is just an “Idea” (DAP + Dayak Think Tank) searching for ‘ingredients’ on how to propel Dayak forward in achieving their “Dayak-Specific” (Rights & Privileges as stated in the Malaysia Constitution and others) and having the ability to overcome Dayak many dilemmas/disadvantage (politically and apolitically) and/or challenge the complex politics, domestic and international environments. http://jamesjg.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/2010-03-10-MAWAN.jpg
I also believe that Dayak have already established their own “DTT” platform directly and/or indirectly (Executive Committee) through SGDA, SADIA, PGBS, SDNU, DBNA, SIDS, DAM, Tun Jugah Foundation and other registered Dayak NGOs (there’re lots of brainy Dayaks inside there), and may include non-registered organization like “Dayak Borneo Forum”, and as what both Unggal CharcoalArt and Iban Abroad have explained.
And truly our all these NGOs are all having direct relationships with the State Government, and because of this we can still move forward with these existing organizations right? I am also a member of at least two of these NGOs!
In politics everybody is concerned about You if they have “special interest” on You; for their own gain/mileage or for both.
My candid questions:
1. What is DAP primary agenda towards Dayak; short-term, medium-term and long-term?
2. What are the primary “Dayak Action Plan” to be implemented by Dayak Pro-Government leaders, Dayak Pro-Opposition leaders and Dayak NGO leaders?
3. What are the approach and framework to implement DTT’s initiative and strategic planning?
Have faith in yourself and God!
My sincere recommendation; “Dayak Think Tank” should be established independently by Dayak; be it Iban, Bidayuh and/or Orang Ulu and/or together working as a team.
Cheers!
IS THERE ANY DIFFERENT BETWEEN “THINK TANK” and “BRAIN TRUST”?
ReplyDeleteLet me candidly brief it to you here:
THINK TANK(s) or “Policy Institutes” are organizations that are engaged on a regular basis in research and advocacy on any matter related to public policy. They (think tanks) are the bridge between knowledge and power in modern democracies “policy institutes, undertake public policy research and promote the results in order to influence policy-makers. Some Think Tanks are little more than extensions of government, while others are completely independent, existing entirely on the results of private sector fundraising.
EXAMPLE:
Malaysia has a few numbers of Think Tanks, most which are government or political party related. Their focuses have been on defense, economics, politics and policies. Notable ones include the Performance Management & Delivery Unit (PEMANDU), Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS), Malaysian Strategic Research Centre (MSRC) and Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS). IDEAS is Malaysia’s first classical liberal Think Tank which is policy oriented. These also include a corporate “Perak Institut Darul Ridzuan Berhad (IDR)”, a Malay NGO “Malay College Old Boys Association (MACOBA)” and many others.
BRAIN TRUST simply means a group of close trustworthy advisers to a decision maker of a political party, candidate or incumbent. They are engaged/employed as a political party internal brain trust and/or internal strategic planner to analyze and assess information (internal & external) for party leaders “Executive Decision” including institutional action leading to improvement in the party services and programs (short-term and long-term goals) designed to meet the needs of a diverse constitutional population and/or their supporters/grassroots.
NOTES: “Dayak Brain Trust” (DBT) should include multi-ethnic Natives advisory body not just the Iban. The formation of this DBT team should comprise of Dayak Iban, Dayak Bidayuh and Orang Ulu, and of multi-trades/expertise. Any Dayak legitimate organization can established DTT.
I also believe that Dayak have already established their own “DTT” platform directly and/or indirectly (Executive Committee) through SGDA, SADIA, PGBS, SDNU, DBNA, SIDS, DAM, Tun Jugah Foundation and other registered Dayak NGOs (there’re lots of brainy Dayaks inside there) including non-registered organizations like “Dayak Borneo Forum”, “Dayak Toastmaster Club”, etc and as what both Unggal CharcoalArt and Iban Abroad have explained earlier on.
And truly our all these NGOs are having direct relationships with the State Government, and because of this we can still move forward with these existing organizations, right?
MY SINCERE RECOMMENDATION:
“DAYAK THINK TANK” should be established independently by Dayak and/or with the government related organizations/agencies. And it must comprise a team of expertise from the Dayak Iban, Dayak Bidayuh and Orang Ulu. Once established this “DTT” can possibly work with any legitimate organization (independent, cooperation or joint-operations) so long they’re focus and accountable to “Dayak-Specific”.
IN POLITICS WHEN SOMEONE IS CONCERNED ABOUT “YOU”, THEY HAVE “SPECIAL INTEREST” ON YOU; FOR THEIR OWN GAIN/MILEAGE OR FOR BOTH!
DAP-DAYAK BRAIN TRUST is purely a Pro-Opposition political propaganda and aspiration.
ReplyDeleteAs I’ve observed, it seems that “Everybody” (Pro-Government and Pro-Opposition) is taking every advantage on Dayaks’ Diasporas, weaknesses, backwardness, underprivileged, underserved and underdeveloped communities.
• Did any of the Dayak leaders ever “Think Tank” to take any advantage on their “New Master” and/or for themselves?
• Why do Dayak need to appoint Others as their trustee and not themselves?
• Do Dayak ever trust each other to work exclusively as a team?
• Are Dayaks still insisting on maintaining that “status-quo” (another meaning to it is “Tiada Berubah”)?
• Is this another historical repetition of “Brookes – Rentap Days” where Dayaks are easily used by others/outsiders to fight each other?
It is now very obvious that Dayak is a useful tool for politician’s special interest.
Whatever other people talk/promote, “Dayak” will follow them but whatever Dayak talk/promote and they themselves against it, ignore and/or challenge it? Why is it so?
Technically lack of self-confidence and self-esteem!
To overcome this, they have to fix their own self-problems first unless they preferred to be fixed by Others, and all over again.