Deputy Premier urges community leaders to master Iban customs, bolster Native Courts role

59 minutes ago 2

ADVERTISE HERE

By DayakDaily Team

SIBU, Oct 8: Community Leaders and Heads of Race (KMKK), particularly Penghulu, Pemanca and Temenggong, must go beyond simply knowing Iban customs and develop a deeper understanding of their principles, rationale and application to strengthen their role in Sarawak’s Native Courts system.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this was crucial to ensure Iban customary heritage remained relevant, preserved and passed on to future generations.

“We want community leaders who not only know the customs, but also understand the principles, rationale and context behind them,” he said during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Iban Customs Symposium here today, according to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas).

He said a strong understanding of customs would enable KMKK members to pass on their meaning and significance to younger generations while keeping traditional practices relevant in modern society.

Uggah hoped the 2026 Iban Customs Symposium would provide a platform to further define the roles and responsibilities of KMKK members in the Native Courts system, which is set to be upgraded.

He said views and feedback from various stakeholders should be taken into account when formulating new guidelines to ensure they reflect customary requirements and current societal realities.

Meanwhile, Uggah stressed that customs and laws should not be viewed as separate or conflicting elements, but understood within the broader context of history, community life and the prevailing legal framework.

He said efforts to strengthen customary institutions should draw on Sarawak’s experience in managing indigenous customs while recognising their close connection to cultural heritage, community life and the State’s legal system.

Also present were Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Dayak Cultural Foundation trustee Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Leonard Linggi Jugah, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law and Native Customs) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Advisor to the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development) Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, Sarawak Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, Sarawak Council of Customs and Traditions chief Datu Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat, and Sarawak Council of Customs and Traditions secretary Elsie William. — DayakDaily

Read Entire Article