KUCHING: The initiative to review traditional law books within the Sarawak Native Customs Council (MAIS) in the effort to make it more relevant to the current needs of the communities is crucial.
It review will assist community leaders in carrying out their responsibilities as enforcers of customary laws.
Sarawak Premier’s Department Minister, Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai, hopes that this initiative would be well received and practised by all levels of society.
“The review of these books aims to ensure that its contents are updated and detailed, to remain relevant based on the current needs and situations in today’s world.
“This includes aspects of customs related to family, land ownership, and settlement,” he said.
He said this at the opening ceremony of the Sarawak Native Customs Council’s 50th-anniversary celebration and the ‘Engagement With Stakeholders 2024’ event at the Waterfront Hotel yesterday (Oct 10).
He added that over the 50 years since MAIS was established, it has successfully produced seven customary law books: Adat Iban (1993), Adat Bidayuh (1994), Adet Kayan-Kenyah (1994), Adat Lun Bawang (2004), Adat Bisaya (2004), Adet Kelabit (2008), and Adet Penan (2011).
MAIS is also in the process of codifying five new customary law books: Adet Melanau, Adet Kajang, Adet Kiput, Adet Berawan, and Adet Bagatan.
Furthermore, he supported MAIS’s efforts to continue the ‘Capacity Building’ programme for community leaders to enhance their understanding and skills related to customary laws.
“This will hopefully enable the community leaders to effectively and efficiently manage their respective jurisdictions,” he said.
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law and Native Customs), Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, MAIS chairman Datu Ronnie Edward, Sarawak Native Court Chief Registrar Jonathan Lugoh, and MAIS secretary Mackos Sibong.
