Sikie wants government recognition for symposium
MIRI: The Ngepan Iban Symposium (SNI) should be made an official government event in the state, said Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk John Sikie Tayai. Speaking at the closing of SNI 2023 here on Saturday night, Sikie expressed hope that it will be held in the coming years with topics other than the Ngepan […]
Help preserve ‘Ngepan Iban’ traditional attire, says deputy minister
MIRI: The ‘Ngepan’ (traditional attire) worn by Iban women needs to be maintained and preserved, says Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil. The Sarawak Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government stressed that this was to ensure that the traditional costume—worn for special occasions. Ceremonies, rituals and dances, among others—would not be lost to time. […]
Wins in Iban majority seats will boost GPS
By Dick Lembang Dugun THERE are only two days left to pitch for votes. This Saturday will determine the results of the 15th general election (GE15) after a 14-day campaign announced by the Election Commission (EC). A total of 56 of the 222 contested parliamentary seats are in two states in Borneo, with a total […]
A special committee to help Iban voters in Sibu
SIBU: A special committee has been proposed to help to assist and address the issues faced by the rural Iban voters in Sibu parliamentary seat. Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the rural voters here often have no one to turn to for assistance when facing problems. Thus, he […]
State appoints one new Iban Penghulu
MIRI: One new Iban community leader was appointed by the state government to help manage the grassroots in the Miri division under the Piasau constituency (N73). Penghulu Wilfred Mac @Melina Anis was appointed as Penghulu and is responsible for area within the city, Lutong, Kampung Pasir Lutong, Sealine Atas and Sealine Bawah areas. With this […]
Gawai Antu – an Iban heritage treasure
KUCHING: The Gawai Antu festival is an important and significant celebration observed by the Iban community. It is said that the festival is only revealed to a member of the community once in a lifetime. Gawai Antu or literally translated as the Festival of Ghosts, is celebrated in honour of the spirits of those who […]
Mystery over unspecific name-calling
I use a pseudonym, because my real name is very difficult to pronounce, to remember, and to spell. And many people who have been talking about me on television have yet to pronounce it correctly. – Jeff Gannon, American columnist In my earlier articles I did share at least three times items on Iban names, […]
Stay united, deputy minister reminds Iban community
MIRI: Ibans have been reminded to stay united so that their voice continue to be heard by the government. “If we stand strong together under one roof, we can acquire everything we want,” said Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil. “Make unity your priority, put aside your differences, […]
An exciting cultural extravaganza
I believe that nothing should be taboo – no theory or prejudice should close one’s mind to a discovery. – Henry Moore, English artist Aristocrat “Semagat” Jacobus was not only mentor of the small “Memaloh” tribe, but was involved in recording its disappearing culture. Like high priest Onyang, Jacobus was descended from the leaders of […]
Total compliance with ancestral bans
Folklore provides a socially sanctioned outlet for the discussion of the forbidden and taboo. – Alan Dundes, American interpreter There are still many in the Iban community of the current generation who still submit fully to their families’ taboos or injunctions. These prohibitions are inherited from their forebears who were compelled to practise them in […]
