Temenggong Joseph Ngau reappointed as Kenyah paramount chief

MIRI (March 1): Temenggong Joseph Ngau Lian has been reappointed as the Kenyah paramount chief for this division.

The reappointment ceremony was held during Townhall Series 3 at the hall of SJK Kee Tee Long Lama on Friday.

The event also witnessed the reappointment of 39 community chiefs for the Telang Usan area and 13 community chiefs for the Mulu area.

Also reappointed were Penghulu Daud Suok as head of the Penan Silat community in Telang Usan District; Penghulu Juwin Lehan for the Penan Apoh community in Telang Usan; and Penghulu Jalong Tanyit as the Kenyah penghulu for Telang Usan District.

Certificates of appointment were presented by Telang Usan District officer Ezra Uda, witnessed by Deputy Minister in Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala.

Speaking at the townhall session, Gerawat, who is also the Mulu assemblyman, said the programme served as a two-way platform between the government and the people.

“This is where we discuss the direction of development, identify challenges at the grassroots level and ensure that government policies truly reach the people,” he said.

He stressed that community leaders and chiefs played a vital role in maintaining harmony, resolving local issues and ensuring the smooth implementation of development programmes and initiatives, describing them as ‘the backbone of grassroots administration’.

Gerawat congratulated those who were reappointed and newly-appointed, noting that the positions carried great responsibility as a bridge between the people and the government.

At the same event, four former community leaders and penghulu were honoured for their service: former Penghulu Wan Ngau Lah, former community chief Sura Langat, former community chief Adam Emang and former community chief Dennis Bujang.

Also present was Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau.