Ensure social stability, harmony

KUCHING: Community leaders and tribal chiefs (Ketua Masyarakat and Ketua Kaum) are urged to enforce customs and to ensure that they remain an instrument to guarantee social stability and harmony within the village.

Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk John Sikie Tayai said customs are crucial in the daily lives of individuals to maintain harmony and well-being within a place, village or longhouse.

“Therefore, I would like to emphasise that it is the responsibility of everyone, especially the tribal chiefs and community leaders to enforce customs and to ensure that they remain an instrument to guarantee social stability and harmony within the village,” he said.

Sikie made these remarks during a meeting session between Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (MAIS) and tribal chiefs held here, yesterday (June 7).

The meeting was to provide in depth understanding of the affairs and customs of the indigenous communities among the tribal chiefs.

Sikie pointed out that MAIS plays a crucial role in conducting research and studies related to the preservation, promotion and development of the customs of Sarawak’s indigenous communities.

He said that the Sarawak government consistently supports efforts to preserve, protect and promote indigenous customs through the establishment of MAIS.

The session was attended by 15 Temenggongs, 26 Pemanca and 59 Penghulus from 12 divisions across Sarawak.

Also present were the Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law and Native Custom) Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datuk Buckland Bangik, head of MAIS Datuk Ronnie Edward, MAIS secretary Mackos Sibong, Sarawak Native Court acting chief registrar Dahim Nadot and director of Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) Samuel Simon.