KAPIT: The local Member of Parliament Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi recently officiated at a “ngentak tiang” ceremony at Rumah Midin Saong, Jalan Bukit Goram by Sungai Pelajau here.
“Ngentak tiang” in Iban literally refers to the traditional act of pounding a post into the ground in an elaborate ceremony prior to erecting a house or longhouse.
In this case, the ceremony was for the building of new houses for two families adjacent to the existing twenty-door longhouse.
Speaking at the function, Nanta, who is also an advisor to the Chief Minister’s Department, congratulated the longhouse’s Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) for being able to organise their activities smoothly include allocating a place for the new houses.
He also used the occasion to congratulate the former headman, Madang Jelaini, who was recently promoted to become Penghulu whose jurisdiction covers the village chiefs in Sungai Kapit, Jalan Bukit Goram, and Sungai Yong.
He then reminded all the community leaders and village chiefs present to be mindful of their work ethics and conduct.
“When you are a community leader you are an important link between your people and the government,” he said.
“You have to be well-versed in the government’s development agenda and policies in order to be able to explain them to the people.”
With the Gawai Dayak drawing nearer, he took the opportunity to wish the longhouse people a happy and prosperous festival.
