BINTULU: The Punan Ethnic History Documentation seminar gathered a total of 100 Punans, consisting of penghulu, community leaders and Punan ethnic groups from 17 longhouses in Sarawak.
According to a press release, the seminar, which was held yesterday, was organised by the Punan National Association (PNA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP).
The inaugural programme, held at Li Hua Hotel, Berjaya Commercial Centre Bintulu, was officiated by MTCP chief assistant secretary Dr Elena Gregoria Chai Chin Fern.
Punan Ethnic History Documentation Committee secretary Jessica Musa said the aim of the one-day seminar is to document the past history of the Punan ethnic group in the process of highlighting the origin of this minority race in addition to reviewing its political, social, economical and cultural structures.
Jessica said the exploration of the historical background of most of the indigenous ethnic groups in Sarawak has received little attention and is often marginalised, especially among historical scholars in Malaysia.
From the seminar, she said a complete history of the Punan ethnic group could be documented and compiled to be printed and distributed to all Punan communities throughout Malaysia.
“The documentation can be used as a basic reference for the entire Punan community, the outside community, relevant agencies and the Sarawak government in exploring the history and ethnic identity of the Punan,” she said.
Also present at the seminar were Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam senior lecturer Dr Ajau Dennis, who is also PNA advisor, Penghulu Sanok Magai, book writer Calvin Agau Jemarang and PNA president Donny Dhwie.
