BETONG: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has proposed the setting up of a council of experts on ‘Ngepan Iban’ (Iban traditional costume) in a bid to protect its authenticity.
Uggah who is chairman of Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) said the council would have “the last word on the authenticity on the genuine items as against adulterated or false version”.
He said discussions would be held with the Tun Jugah Foundation, Dayak Cultural Foundation and prominent Iban leaders on the formation of the council of experts.
“Our ‘Ngepan’ is our identity, our pride and hence we need to protect and have copyright control over it.”
He noted that in the past, there were instances of people passing adulterated versions as the real thing.
“The ‘sirat’ or loin cloth has been presented as part of women wears by models in overseas presentations and functions.
“As far as we are concerned the sirat has never been part of our women clothing,” he stressed this when officiating at the closing ceremony of the inaugural state-level ‘Ngepan Iban’ symposium here.
The two-day symposium was organised jointly by the Dayak Cultural Foundation, Tun Jugah Foundation, Betong Resident’s Office and Betong Ngepan Iban Club under the chairmanship of Layar state assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu.
Uggah added that the state government recognised the ‘Ngepan’ as well as the traditional costumes of all ethnic groups in the state
“Our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg wants them to be developed and enhanced for future generations to keep and cherish.
“Our very rich and colourful multi-culture has made Sarawak what it is today.
“They have strengthened our racial harmony and unity, foreigners have a deep appreciation and admiration for us,” he stated.
On a related issue, Uggah said he would discuss with Abang Johari on providing spaces to display Iban’s old heirloom at Fort Lily (Betong), Fort Alice (Simanggang), Fort Emma (Kanowit) and Fort Sylvia (Kapit).
Among those present were Betong MP Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat, Tun Jugah Foundation chairman Tan Sri Leonard Linggi Jugah, former Saratok MP and Iban culture expert Datuk Seri Edmund Langgu and a political secretary to the chief minister Dr Richard Rapu.
