Community leaders urged to stay apolitical as Pemanca Paing fills two-year void in Iban leadership in Sibu

Paing (third right) receiving his appointment letter from Khalid, while Tiong (third left) and others look on during a ceremony on Dec 22, 2023.

By William Isau

SIBU, Dec 22: Community chiefs and headmen (KMKK) in Dudong have been urged to maintain a stance of complete political neutrality and refrain from aligning themselves with any political party.

Dudong assemblyman Dato Sri Tiong King Sing advised them to diligently carry out their duties to be perceived as genuine leaders without engaging in political partisanship.

“KMKK role is similar to that of people’s representatives (YB). Hence, you must carry out your duties sincerely. Let’s not create chaos (by picking sides),” he said when witnessing the presentation of Letter of Appointment to Pemanca Paing Tawi today.

Tiong, who is also Federal Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture, also urged the Sibu District Office to organise more seminars for community leaders to ensure that these leaders are well-informed and comprehend their roles and responsibilities for effective service to the community.

“In Bintulu for instance, I heard there are people complaining about their ‘Tuai Rumah’ (longhouse chief) not present at the longhouse. When people needed signatures or to address certain essential matters, they could not reach their longhouse chiefs.
“This cannot be the case as it will cause disruptions for the people. Community leaders should be accessible and ready to help the people in need,” he stressed.

Expressing hopes for Pemanca Paing’s commitment to the Iban community in Sibu, Tiong underscored the importance of fulfilling responsibilities with honesty and sincerity.

In response, Pemanca Paing pledged to collaborate with existing community leaders to address the various issues faced by the Iban community in Sibu.

He acknowledged the existence of unresolved appeal cases, particularly disputes among longhouse residents regarding land and other matters.

“Starting today, I will make every effort to resolve all these cases or issues involving longhouse residents, in collaboration with the community leaders in the respective areas,” he said.

Pemanca Paing, a 60-year-old from Rumah Dayong, Ulu Assan, expressed joy at his appointment, noting the two-year absence of an Iban Pemanca in Sibu.

“I hope to assist the people of Sibu, especially the Iban community,” he added.

The event was attended by Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan branch chairman Robert Lau, Sibu District officer Khalid Andong, and Temenggong Stanley Gramong Bandar. — DayakDaily