Ritchie (seated) autographing his books for buyers during the launch.
KUCHING: The Kelabit community has come a long way since the colonial era, and their journey has been documented in the latest book written by James Ritchie.
According to Deputy State Secretary Datu Ose Murang, the well-compiled book tells the history of the Kelabit people.
“The Kelabit community has come into contact with many situations that changed them so much.
“The book documents their first contact with foreigners through warfare during the colonial era to the Second World War. It also documents how the encounter with Christianity had changed them, delivering the community from old beliefs that had hampered their progress.
“After that, education played a big role in transforming the community,” he said at the launch of the book titled Journey into the Central Highlands of Borneo – The Kelabit Leap of Faith yesterday.
Ose noted that the huge achievements of the community were due to the people’s progressive mindset.
“I think we have achieved this much because we have responded in a unique way to the different situations we encountered. We responded with a positive mindset.
“The community’s mindset has been globalised since the day
it came into contact with foreigners on home ground. Education only deepens this awareness,” he said.
Present at the launch were community leaders and personalities from the Kelabit and other Orang Ulu communities as well as guests from overseas.
Journey into the Central Highlands of Borneo – The Kelabit Leap of Faith can be purchased at Mohamed Yahia & Sons in Sarawak Plaza.