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Extracted from Malaysiakini
'Turmoil in Dayak longhouses'
Joseph Tawie | Apr 20,
The politicalisation of Dayak institutions have caused a major
split in the Iban community, claimed
“The
politicalisation of (the posts of) tuai
rumah (longhouse chiefs) and penghulu
- who these days are being appointed by politicians or political
parties - is causing a big split in the longhouses," said Mujah (left).
“Previously, the selection of tuai rumah and penghulu was by the people, for the
people and of the people. Unless Iban customs are upheld, there will be no
unity (in the community).”
Mujah was responding to comments by Parti Rakyat Sarawak president James Masing
who had said that politics within the Dayak community, particularly in the
rural areas, has been “fluid until now because there is lack of the smart
factor”.
Masing (right)
said this is evident among the rural Dayaks whose political stand is seldom
firm. He urged educated and intellectual Dayaks to help educate the members of
the community, so that they are not manipulated by others.
He claimed that some Dayaks intellectuals are going to the longhouses to incite
the people to reject government policies, adding that their campaign of hatred
has caused the Dayaks to be further fragmented in politics.
Mujah responded: “I am happy that Masing has realised the weaknesses of the
Dayak leaders. The most important thing is that Masing and his group of Dayak
leaders can rectify these weaknesses and go back to basics to learn from
history.
“I refer in particular to the land (code) amendment in 2000. Despite knowing
that the amendment would disadvantage the Dayaks, none of the Dayak legislators
dared to oppose it or even felt concerned.”
Mujah rejected Masing’s accusation that Dayak intellectuals are inciting the
people to turn against the government.
“I do not agree. I can say that these Dayak intellectuals are only advising
their parents not to be cheated another time,” he said.
People confused
Commenting on the same issue, Sarawak Dayak National Union publicity officer
John Anthony Brain said the rural people are confused as they cannot
distinguish truth from propaganda.
They did not know who to trust as some politicians do not tell the whole truth,
he said. And because of conflicting statements, the people tend to be
sceptical.
Citing the
Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) as an example,
Brain said certain politicians have claimed that Salcra provides many benefits
to those participating in the land schemes.
However, many have received only RM8 per day or very small dividends per year,
he claimed.
Brain, who runs the Dayak Baru.com website, said: “The
Dayaks want to see things happen in their area and want the government to
deliver its promises. They have heard so many promises.
“As far as the people of Batang Ai are concerned, they have kicked the ball
back to the government (to deliver its pledge of development projects).”
Lawyer and
politician
“I don’t think I subscribe to political smartness for the sake of political
survival. I prefer correctness. But anyway (Masing) is wrong - as if Dayak
leaders are not smart. They are!” he added.