Sarawak Dayak Graduates Association (SDGA) President Dr Dusit Jaul, in representing the group, said the murder had caused “deep anger” among the Dayak community and this was akin to “stirring a hornet’s nest” while “testing Dayak resolve”.
“In light of this senseless act, we call and urge members of the Dayak communities to keep calm and not to take the law into their own hands,” Dusit told reporters in Kuching today.
“We want to put on record that Kayong did not die in vain. He died a Dayak hero.
“He gave his life for Dayak struggles and he will always be remembered by the whole Dayak community.”
Dusit declined to comment on the motive for the killing.
“Let the police do their job. It is not right to speculate.”
Meanwhile, Dayak National Congress (DNC) Deputy President John Tenewi Nuek called for the speedy arrest of the killer.
“This act is not just an act against the Dayak. This is an act against Sarawak, against Malaysia and against humanity.
“And we must not allow this sort of thing to happen. We must speak up against this sort of act in the strongest terms.”
Peter John Jaban, a Sarawak4Sarawakians movement leader, also responded to a reporter’s query on whether land activists should now “watch their backs”.
“Is this going to make us weak? No, it will make us stronger, and we will continue to fight. One down does not mean everybody’s down. We will still continue.
“You touch one Sarawakian, you touch the whole of Sarawak. You will make us even stronger.”
Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) President Sidi Munan described Kayong as an energetic land rights activist, taking up cases of landowners who said their rights have been encroached by oil palm plantations.
Kayong, 43, was shot once in the neck. He died instantly in his vehicle, a Toyota Hilux, at an intersection in Lutong, near a popular mall.
Bill was PKR secretary to the Miri division, and was secretary of the Sarawak Dayak Association (Pedas). He contested and lost against Barisan Nasional candidate Rosey Yunus in a four-cornered fight for Bekenu in the May 7 state election.
He was active in land rights issues in the Baram, Niah and Bekenu areas.