By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Sept 29: A group of longhouse leaders in Nanga Ngungun Resettlement Scheme, Kanowit, have voiced deep frustration and disappointment over what they claim to be external interference and abuse of power in the appointment of their Tuai Rumah (longhouse chief).
Former Tuai Rumah Magai Sawing, together with 11 out of 21 registered ketua bilik (door chiefs), alleged that their democratic right to elect their own Tuai Rumah was “robbed and denied” by outsiders.
According to Magai, the longhouse held an election on July 6, 2024, as instructed by the Kanowit District Office. The process was overseen by a selection committee headed by Penghulu Juni Masam and witnessed by three Tuai Rumah. The voting proceeded without objections from any ketua bilik, and a new Tuai Rumah was chosen by majority vote.
“However, four months later, we were shocked to receive a letter dated Nov 5, 2024, signed by a community leader, allegedly under the directive of the Kanowit District Officer, ordering a re-election on Nov 12,” Magai revealed in a statement after holding a press conference at a hotel in Sibu yesterday (Sept 28).
The majority of door chiefs strongly opposed the decision, citing the previous election’s validity and the short notice period, which made it impossible to gather all leaders. Despite the objections, Magai claimed that the second election proceeded, and a new Tuai Rumah was appointed without consulting the majority.
“This irresponsible action has divided our longhouse community and we believe elements of abuse of power are at play,” he said, adding that police reports were lodged and protest letters sent to the Kanowit District Office and the Sibu Resident’s Office.
Magai further stated that on May 21, 2025, the Kanowit District Office formally recognised the second election despite irregularities, including non-attendance of several ketua bilik and failure to follow proper procedures.
Another protest letter was sent to the selection panel, KMKK Sibu Division, and the Resident’s Office on May 23, followed by a complaint to the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (UNION) on May 26—but no response has been received to date.
Tensions flared again on Aug 16, 2025, when a meeting was held without the majority’s consent, prompting yet another police report on Aug 18 regarding “outside interference disrupting the longhouse’s harmony.”
The group is now demanding explanations on several key issues, including the justification for holding two elections within four months, the legitimacy of the first election conducted transparently under official supervision, and the authority of community leaders from outside the jurisdiction to order a re-election.
“We have submitted reports and objections to all relevant agencies—the Kanowit District Office, Sibu Resident’s Office, KMKK selection panel, the minister in charge, and UNION—yet none have taken action,” Magai lamented.
He urged the Sarawak government, through the State Secretary’s Office, the Premier’s Office (Law and Native Customs), and the Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (MAIS), to review the current system and introduce a clear, transparent law to govern the appointment of Tuai Rumah.
“It has always been the tradition that the choice of a Tuai Rumah lies with the ketua bilik themselves. We call for a fair and democratic process, free from interference and abuse of power,” he stressed. – DayakDaily
