By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 8: KUCHING, Sept 9: Four draft reviews of Sarawak’s native customary laws, covering the Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan and Kenyah communities, have been submitted to the Sarawak Attorney-General’s Chambers (SAGC) for review, while the codification of Melanau customary law is also at the SAGC review stage.
Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai said the development reflects the Sarawak Customary Council’s (MAIS) continued efforts to strengthen its role in preserving, developing and modernising the State’s native customary laws.
He said MAIS would continue its work on the codification and review of customary laws, alongside efforts to document the culture, traditions and history of Sarawak’s native communities.
“These efforts are important to ensure that Sarawak’s native customary laws remain relevant to social developments and current needs,” he said in a statement.
Sikie was speaking at an appreciation ceremony held in conjunction with the Sarawak Customary Council Meeting No. 2/2026, organised by MAIS at voco Kuching yesterday (Sept 8).
He also announced that he would attend the Iban Customary Law Symposium 2026, organised by MAIS, which will be held in Sibu on Sept 30.
The symposium is expected to bring together about 400 participants, comprising Iban community leaders and representatives from Sarawak government agencies.
“The symposium was in line with MAIS’s responsibility for matters relating to native customary laws and would further strengthen efforts to uphold customary laws while empowering community leaders and village chieftains (KMKK).
“KMKK played an important role in ensuring customary laws continued to be understood, respected and practised within their respective communities,” he said
To further strengthen MAIS’s role, he said a new Culture, Traditions and History Section had also been established to document the culture, traditions, history and heritage of Sarawak’s major native ethnic groups.
Sikie also congratulated Datu Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat on his appointment as chairman of the MAIS Council for a three-year term, while Elsie William had reported for duty as the council’s new secretary.
He also congratulated the 11 MAIS council members appointed for the term from March 1, 2026 to Feb 28, 2029.
They are Senator Rita Sarimah Patrick Insol, Temenggong Datuk Hasan Sui, Temenggong Nicholas Boyok Pura, Temenggong Joseph Ngau Lian, Temenggong Richard Mulok Entring, Temenggong Kloni Kanang @ Nelson Kloni, Temenggong Boniface Bada @ Bada Enjah, Temenggong Henry Bujang Sendan, Temenggong Limin Anai, Temenggong Leonard Libau Anol and Pemanca Umek Jeno.
Deputy State Secretary of Sarawak (Administration) Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua has also been appointed as a MAIS council member representing the Sarawak Premier’s Department.
Sikie expressed his appreciation to Datu Ronnie Edward, the council’s former chairman, and Mackos Sibong, its former secretary, for their contributions and service throughout their respective tenures with MAIS. – DayakDaily
