This is ‘insensitive’, says Bill Kayong, showing a newspaper report yesterday on the two hornbills being named ‘Keling’ and ‘Kumang’, thus unwittingly angering the Iban community in Miri.
MIRI: What’s in a name? Everything, as the rejoicing of two offspring of the Oriental pied hornbill turned sour, as unwittingly the naming of two offspring after ‘Kumang’ and ‘Keling’ angered the Iban community here due to its deep religious connotations.
Given the names by a committee member of Piasau Nature Reserve (PNR), Musa Musbah, the unexpected reaction yesterday was that the act not only touched on the sensitivities of the Iban, but is actually insulting and disrespectful to the beliefs of the community.
PNR understood ‘Keling’ to be an Iban prince and ‘Kumang’ as a princess, and presumed it would resonate with nature lovers but it turned out to be offensive, a public Iban figure said.
“Kumang and Keling are people of ‘Panggau Libau’ (a place of the gods) and they are ‘Petara’ (gods) of the Iban community and should not be levelled with the animals, or their names should not be given to animals,” said an activist of the Iban community here, Bill Kayong.
“For example, if they do not respect the culture and beliefs of the Iban, I worry that some members of the Iban community will ‘return the favour’ by disrespecting them. What if the Iban named their animals with the name of leaders in their religion? How will they react to this?” he enlightened.
In view of this, Kayong requested that Musa withdraw his act of naming the two young hornbills ‘Keling’ and ‘Kumang’ and make a public apology for encroaching on the sensitivities of the Iban community.
“If not, we will make a police report on the matter tomorrow or the day after (today or tomorrow) for insulting the Iban with an act that could stir racial provocation,” he added.
Musa, who is also a Sarawak Forestry Honorary Ranger, could not be reached for comment as at press-time yesterday evening.
Kayong said Musa should have researched more into the intricate background of ‘Kumang’ and ‘Keling’ before ascribing the names to the birds.
He added that ‘Keling’ is not only a warrior but is much more than that. Both are the highest names which are always mentioned in traditional and important Iban ceremonies in the state, he said.
“Musa should have enquired with Iban community leaders who are knowledgeable about the customs and beliefs of the community and not simply use the name for their own entertainment (liking),” Kayong said.