Jayum Urges Consultation with Longhouse Chiefs on Iban Burial Proposals
Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Jawan has strongly criticized a proposal by the Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (Mais) to allow urban-dwelling Ibans to be buried in traditional longhouse or village cemeteries. Speaking in Kuching, Jayum emphasized that community leaders, particularly longhouse chiefs well-versed in Iban customs, must be consulted before any such suggestions are implemented. He described the proposal as baffling and warned that it could set a dangerous precedent by transferring traditional authority to civil authorities. Jayum argued that this approach might undermine the power of Ibans over their own cultural matters, drawing parallels to the previous loss of authority in electing longhouse chiefs. The proposal was initially introduced by Temenggong Nelson Kloni Kanang to address rising funeral costs and land scarcity in urban areas. However, Jayum contended that existing funeral arrangements for urban Ibans are functioning adequately and that the suggestion overlooks the complex social implications. He stressed that solving logistical issues like cost of living should not come at the expense of eroding indigenous customary rights and community leadership structures.
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Jayum Urges Consultation with Longhouse Chiefs on Iban Burial Proposals
Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Jawan has strongly criticized a proposal by the Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (Mais) to allow urban-dwelling Ibans to be buried in traditional longhouse or village cemeteries. Speaking in Kuching, Jayum emphasized that community leaders, particularly longhouse chiefs well-versed in Iban customs, must be consulted before any such suggestions are implemented. He described the proposal as baffling and warned that it could set a dangerous precedent by transferring traditional authority to civil authorities. Jayum argued that this approach might undermine the power of Ibans over their own cultural matters, drawing parallels to the previous loss of authority in electing longhouse chiefs. The proposal was initially introduced by Temenggong Nelson Kloni Kanang to address rising funeral costs and land scarcity in urban areas. However, Jayum contended that existing funeral arrangements for urban Ibans are functioning adequately and that the suggestion overlooks the complex social implications. He stressed that solving logistical issues like cost of living should not come at the expense of eroding indigenous customary rights and community leadership structures.
Borneo Post Online