Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak reviewing Adat books to ensure they remain relevant

KUCHING (Oct 10): Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (Mais) has initiated a review of its Adat (customary law) books to ensure they remain relevant to contemporary society, said Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai.

He said the review focuses on updating content related to family matters, land ownership, and settlement issues. He expressed hope that this initiative would assist local community leaders, particularly the Ketua Masyarakat dan Ketua Kaum – KMKK (community leaders and village heads), in effectively administering customs in their communities.

“These efforts will help our KMKK carry out their duties and responsibilities as custodians of our customs, ensuring they are accepted and practised by various segments of society,” he explained in his speech at the opening ceremony of the Mais Engagement with Stakeholders 2024 held at a hotel here today.

He also informed that Mais is in the process of codifying five new Adat books, which will focus on the customs of the Melanau, Kajang, Kiput, Berawan, and Baketan communities.

“This is after throughout its 50-year history, Mais has played a pivotal role in safeguarding and codifying native Adat.

“Since its inception, Mais has published seven Adat books, covering different indigenous communities in Sarawak, including the Iban (1993), Bidayuh (1994), Kayan-Kenyah (1994), Lun Bawang (2004), Bisaya (2004), Kelabit (2008), and Penan (2011),” he said.

He thus commended Mais for its achievements, acknowledging the challenges the organisation has faced over the decades.

“I am proud and thankful to Mais for their accomplishments. Mais has ensured the preservation of native customs, and I hope that they will continue to receive support and cooperation from various stakeholders.

“This includes the Office of the State Legal Advisor, Sarawak Bumiputera Court, Resident’s and District Office, KMKK, ethnic associations and others involved directly or indirectly,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sikie also expressed his support for Mais’ capacity-building programmes aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of KMKK in administering Adat within their respective jurisdictions while also acknowledging the need for restructuring within Mais to meet the evolving demands of its administration.

“Mais has embarked on a long and challenging journey, but the success in preserving Adat is a testament to the dedication and hard work of its leadership and staff. I fully support the restructuring efforts to strengthen the organisation,” he said.

He also praised Mais for implementing the Sarawak Civil Service (SCS) Scorecard in 2024, noting that it is a timely tool for measuring the organisation’s performance.

Following all that, he thus emphasised the importance of continuous collaboration with stakeholders, including government ministries, agencies, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions, to ensure Mais’ work remains relevant and impactful.

The Mais Engagement with Stakeholders 2024 was also held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Mais’ establishment.

Sikie also spoke on the historical background of Mais, which was established in 1974 under the initiative of the late Tun Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Temenggong Jugah Barieng.

Over the years, Mais has seen the appointment of eight Ketua Majlis (Council Chiefs), with the first being Temenggong Jugah.