SIBU: A clear set of criteria is needed for the creation of community leaders to accommodate the dynamism of circumstances following the formation of new longhouses.
Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri Dr James Masing said this was because the criteria were still vague, making it difficult to channel government assistance, including MRP to those affected.
“There are no real criteria on this. For example, if there is a split in a 40-door longhouse with the 30 doors heading elsewhere, leaving the Tuai Rumah (TR) to look after the remaining 10 doors.
“Although there is a split, the old TR is still recognised by the government despite having only 10 doors, as technically the 30 doors are still under his charge.
“Hence, this makes it difficult for the new longhouse to apply for a TR and obtain government grants,” he said, adding that this was among the key concerns discussed in their supreme council meeting.
The meeting on Saturday among others, he pointed out, was to have a better understanding of the issue.
Together with Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Native Adat and Penan Affairs) Datuk John Sikie Tayai, they were looking into the matter.
“We want to find out what are the criteria for the creation of Ketua Kaum (village headman) and Ketua Masyarakat (community leader).
“The issue would be deliberated again in the next supreme council meeting,” said Masing, who is also Land Development Minister.
He opined that certain criteria must change to accommodate the dynamism in the circumstances surrounding TR following the creation of a new longhouse.
He called for understanding, stressing the need to change along with the problems that arose from it.
On the meeting, Masing explained that they had to hold a supreme council meeting once every three months as it was a requirement.