KUCHING: The conferment of Tan Sri titles on Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Datuk Seri Dr James Masing and Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) president Datuk Seri William Mawan is a recognition of the Dayak community’s contribution to the nation.

Masing and Mawan were among 37 people who received the Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM) award in conjunction with the birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin yesterday.

The award carries the title Tan Sri.

“I’m very honoured that the Federal Government recognises Dayak leaders. Out of the 37 recipients, only two are politicians and both of us are Ibans from Sarawak,” Masing, who is Land Development Minister, told The Star.

He said this was due recognition on the part of the Federal leadership for the support and contri-bution of the state’s Dayak com-munity.

“I would like to thank the Dayak people for giving us their support and enabling us to receive this honour.

“Even though the award is given to us, it’s on behalf of the Dayak community,” he added.

Mawan, who is the Social Development and Urbanisation Minister, could not be reached for comments yesterday.