‘Adet Kajang’ book one step closer to publication

Pictured are community leaders as well as members of SAG and MAIS who participated in a workshop to finalise the 'Adet Kajang' book draft.

KUCHING, March 3: It was decided that the State Attorney-General (SAG) will edit and reorganise the ‘Adet Kajang’ book draft to prepare it for publication.

This was the outcome of a workshop held in Bintulu which saw the participation of 63 Kajang ethnic community leaders led by Temenggong Ajang Sirek as well as SAG and Majlis Adat Istiadat (MAIS) personnel recently.

The ‘Adet Kajang’ book is deemed crucial to be published as a reference for the heads of the community when dealing with legal and customary matters that govern their daily life such as birth, marriage and divorce.

The workshop was held to iron out details about certain aspects of Kajang customs to suit the present times.

With the aid of technological advances which can improve work processes, the book could be ready by this year.

The special Kajang customs committee is chaired by Daniel Batin and coordinator Drenner Dangan.

On Jan 20, leaders of the Kajang ethnic community had called for the book draft to be approved immediately by the SAG as it has been delayed for the past 12 years.

According to Persatuan Bangsa Sekapan Belaga (PBSB) president and coordinator of four Sekapan NGO groups, Erick Renner, the draft of the ‘Adet Kajang’ book was submitted to MAIS in 2008 for publication purposes, and thereafter, a copy was sent by MAIS to SAG.

However, Erick said due to the community leaders’ lack of communication and follow-up with SAG, there had not been any progress.

Before the workshop, the group had discussed the matter with Assistant Minister of Native Law and Customs Datuk John Sikie Tayai as well as SAG and MAIS. — DayakDaily