Unit For Other Languages among 10 symposium resolutions

MIRI: A Unit For Other Languages (Unifol) in Sarawak, similar to the one devoted to other religions, has been proposed by a symposium here.

The two-day ‘Jako Iban Enggau Pegelandik Jari’ symposium, has also proposed that a Centre for Ethnic Languages Development and Cultural Advancement be established.

Altogether there were 10 resolutions aimed at empowering the Iban language and preserving Iban handicrafts.

These resolutions will soon be sent to the Sarawak government, said Minister in the Premier’s Department, Datuk John Sikie Tayai.

“We will ask for approval,” he told local media on Saturday after the symposium’s closing ceremony.

The eight other resolutions are:

• to revise the 2009 Iban Language System in schoolbooks to align with the new Iban language system;
• form a committee to refine the Iban Language System book for schools, which has not been revised in 15 years;
• include activities related to Iban literature, such as Play Reading Competitions, in the District Education Office (PPD) calendar to foster a love for Iban literature among the younger generation;
• increase the intake for the Bachelor of Iban Language Teaching programme to 100 students per intake from 2025 to 2030 to address the shortage of Iban language teachers;
• expedite the completion of the Bachelor of Iban Language Education programme at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas);
• establish a coffee centre to trade handicrafts, agricultural products and more;
• award ‘Datukship’ to individuals recognised by Unesco or other international organisations for their expertise, such as pua kumbu weaver Bangie Embol;
• set up handicraft centres in all districts in Sarawak to collect and sell handicraft products.

The symposium was participated by over 400 members of the Iban community, including grassroots leaders.

Also present was Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil.