He was responding to the discontentment expressed by James Stephen, the chairman of Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) for receiving a cold response in organizing the event of Reunion Concert entitled “SADA Nyawa Iban 2008 Bintulu”. 

The competition that copied the concept of Academy Fantasia was aimed to produce the best Dayak male and female singers for the year of 2007-2008. 

James Stephen also pointed out for a total of RM 89,000 organizing budget, only RM 10,000 had been received from non Dayak Member of Parliament that was Tiong.

Despite a few letters requesting for patronage had been sent since last year, he regretted that there was no response received so far. 

In his earlier welcoming speech, the chairman said the event should be treated as a community project whereby government agencies should well support it for the sake of Dayak community.

Initially, he said the event was jointly organized by the SDNU with Resident Office; however the latter finally withdrew two days before the event held at Esplanade here. 

As a public concert, James Stephen expressed his regret over the last minute withdrawal, causing the working committee had to solely bear with the organizing cost. 

In organizing the event, he described the scenario as if a one-off program with not continuity due to cold respond received by the local assemblymen or government agencies. 

“It is not merely the entertainment but a heritage of culture to be passing to younger generation.” 

Tiong explained later in his speech that in fact he was not invited to address at the function but had to assure the local Dayak Community that no single race would be marginalized or left behind in the arena of development in the State with multiracial background. 

“Any misunderstanding shall be resolved through round table meeting, instead of resolving to confrontation way,” stressed Tiong. 

“As long as I’m concern, I will make sure invitation will be extended to SDNU for any cultural performance event in the division”

Tiong also stressed that unity achieved among multiracial Malaysia or Sarawak societies should be appreciated most by each of our nation, which no one should be allowed to destroy it. 

“Our mission and vision are to see the unity being enhanced and up-grade

“Likewise, I’m also don’t want to see a splitting Dayak Community in the Division as only unity will lead us to a greatest prosperity in future”

However, Tiong also reminded that leaders of any society or organization must try their best to make sure that benefit of its members were well taking care off. 

Later, it was announced too another RM 20,000 was donated to SDNU for its annual activity fund.