MIRI: A dream that came true for Penghulu Umpi Ak Kelambu all started with a dream one night that drove him to start a new longhouse across Kanowit River two decades ago, now known as Rumah Kadom.
CONGRATULATIONS: Penghulu Umpi cuts the anniversary cake while being surrounded by his family and united residents of the longhouse at Semedang Baru.
In the dream, he saw a clear stream at the proposed site.
Immediately, a decision was made to start with the building of the longhouse on New Year day even though he understood the challenge he would have to face, having to convince the villagers to leave the old longhouse.
The 78-year-old penghulu from Machan Iban community, who was the longhouse chief back then, made the bold move and was vindicated two decades down the road.
On Jan 1, Umpi and villagers celebrated the 20th anniversary of the longhouse at Semedang Baru in Machan, with a simple ceremony held to mark the milestone.
Umpi brought all those present a walk down memory lane that day.
“I was initially worried but I had a dream which to me was a good omen and that was how it started,” he said.
Now leading a better life, with cars parked beneath the longhouse, and enjoying the supply of water and electricity, it proved that he had made a right decision, not only for himself but also others who had followed
suit.
A nearby school at Nanga Machan has also shown improvement in its academic performance.
Even Umpi’s daughter is now pursuing her Masters Degree while the longhouse has also produced a civil engineer. The younger generation is slowly making their way to rise to the top in academic performance.
Now known as Rumah Kadom after longhouse chief Barnabas Kadom who succeeded him, Umpi said it has been a fruitful and meaningful journey, and the path taken even though hard but was definitely worthwhile.
“Change was inevitable and the community must keep abreast with the rest of the world,” he said.
Commending the spirit of unity and discipline of Rumah Kadom longhouse for the past two decades, he said they have even become role model for some longhouses in that area.
It was also a time for reflection and resolve for present generation to be better than preceding generations of their family and community. This was reflected in the views of those invited to speak at the 20th anniversary celebration on New Year eve shortly before midnight.
They strongly believe that discipline and good education are ways to forge ahead in future.
With a tinge of nostalgia, he said the longhouse chief Kadom, who was not present at the ceremony due to health reasons, has played an instrumental role in bringing the longhouse to a new chapter.
Kadom has been widely respected as one of the exemplary longhouse chief in Kanowit for his leadership, humility and amiable personal touch while the no-nonsense Penghulu Umpi has been a trail-blazer.