Penguang urges young Ibans to help preserve their cultures, traditions

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Dr Penguang (seated fourth left) with the faithful from BEM Beluru and several other churches around Marudi in a photo call.

MARUDI: Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil wants the Iban community especially the younger generation here to play active role in preservation, promotion and sustainability of their traditions and cultures.

Dr Penguang, who is Marudi assemblyman, said the Ibans must continue to preserve and safeguard their rich cultural heritage and traditions which are seemingly at risk of being extinct in the age of globalisation and technology, not to mention the spread of western influences.

“The cultural identity crisis today continues to be an increasingly worrying and prevalent issue facing the Iban community here as many especially among the younger generation have practised foreign customs and traditions and making those of our own eroded over time.

“Hence, it is vital for us to preserve our traditions and cultures as these are our identity,” he said when officiating at the 21st anniversary of Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) Beluru Church here yesterday.

Taking tattoo culture as an example, Dr Penguang said tattooing – once regarded as a taboo – have now evolved into something mainstream due to the influence of Western practices.

“Tattooing for them (westerners) is more of a form of art and regarded as forms of individual expression and creativity.

“Most of them just love to have these body arts drawn simply on any part of their body,” he emphasised.

Dr Penguang pointed out that the morals and values of today’s society have really changed. He also urged the older generation to teach their children and instil better morals in them.

“The lack of moral values has led to various social problems including drug abuse. It is very important for us to eradicate drug abuse at an early stage to ensure a better future for our younger generation,” he added.

Dr Penguang said the best way for the rural community to change for their betterment is to ‘go back to basic’.

“If we feel that in our own personal lives that we have lost our way, it is important for us to go back to basics, to reassess what really matters in the life of the church and in our life as Christians,” he added.

At the ceremony, Dr Penguang handed over minor rural project (MRP) grants worth RM20, 000 to the church.

He also presented government funds for houses of worship for other religions totalling   RM460,000 from Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) to seven recipients including Sg Entulang All Saints Church, The Bishop of Miri, RC Pekan Lapok Church, Sg Laong (Rh Ngumbang Tia) Church, Rh John Marikan Sg Buti Church, BEM Lepong Ajai Sg Liam Church and BEM Tanjung Rian Church.

Also present were BEM Beluru chairman Paran Gan and advisor Pastor Alan Lutu, and Marudi District Council chairman Edward Mendai.