By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, May 18: The Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak, or the Council for Native Customs and Traditions, has embarked on the modernisation of Adat (a native custom or body of customs).
According to Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, this is necessary as many traditional Adat originate from ancient beliefs, customs, practices, and spiritual rules which are not always fully suited to regulating present-day social relationships and community affairs.
“The council has been consistently undertaking efforts to preserve, develop, and disseminate Adat in line with its statutory roles and functions,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
He explained that the modernisation of Adat will focus on three key approaches: reinterpretation, enhancement, and the making of new provisions.
“This involves examining the purpose and underlying rationale of traditional Adat from a contemporary perspective, improving existing practices, and mitigating any harshness or negative impact arising from their application and making new provisions to fill the gap in the Adat,” he said. — DayakDaily
