LONG SELATONG, BARAM: The present and future generations of the Orang Ulu community cannot ignore their roots and adet (customs), Telang Usan Assemblyman, Dennis Ngau said.
“Adet that had been upheld and used as the community’s law even before Malaysia was formed has proven to be an effective way to appoint community leaders to manage longhouses and their areas in general.
“The involvement of the Orang ulu paramount chief such as Temenggong Datuk Oyong Lawai Jau in our state affairs is proof that an appointment of community leaders through ‘adet’ is respected,” he said during a Thanksgiving and installation ceremony of Anthony Kule Lalo as Penghulu for the SAN area of Ulu Baram at Long Selatong, Tanjong Tepalit, Baram last Friday.
According to Dennis, the appointment of community leaders is at the discretion by the government.
“The government makes the appointment based on the most suitable candidate and from the “maren” especially among the Kayan and Kenyah community.
“This process at times may delay some appointments or re-appointments but this process has resulted in the government appointing community leaders suitable the job.
“So the present and future generations cannot ignore their roots and adet especially the Orang Ulu community,” he pointed out.
According to Dennis, the method of managing and administrating the community in the longhouses according to adet which has become the thrust of a community’s progress specially in the Orang Ulu community should be preserved, guarded, respected and continued as a major part of the community.
Dennis also shared his concerned with regards to the challenges posed by modern day living where the younger generation is moving away from their longhouses in search of jobs in towns and cities and not expose to their community’s traditional adet practices.
“This trend has caused today’s community leaders to find ways on how future generations of Orang Ulu will be able to know their roots,” he said.
He applauded the efforts made by the Orang Ulu community leaders with Majlis Adat Istiadat Negeri which had organised seminars and talks to expose young Orang Ulu to the various expects of their adet.
Member of Parliament for Baram, Anyie Ngau who also spoke reminded all the appointed community leaders to do their best in discharging their duty.
“Be fair but firm and work well with those you are supposed to look after. The appointment carries a heavy responsibility,” he said.
Baram Kenyah Paramount leader, Temenggong Joseph Ngau Lian who also spoke urged the community to respect their adet to ensure its survival.
As adet plays a very important role, he believed that it will continue to play a significant role in time to come.
The installation ceremony was well received with a big crowd presence comprising the Kenyah, Kayan, Penan communities.
