MARUDI: The largely Iban community here are upset that a penghulu who is being investigated by the police following reports made against him has been promoted to pemanca.
Azman (left) handing a memento over to Rosey at the closing ceremony of the talk in Miri.
The protest was raised by six longhouse chiefs from the district; Tuai Rumah Benang anak Pilang representing Beluru/Bakong area, Tuai Rumah Juben Sigai representing Tinjar Jegan Ulu area, Tuai Rumah Musin Radin representing Tinjar Jegan Hilir, Tuai Rumah Kalong anak Gok, Tuai Rumah John Marikan,Tuai Rumah Kompeni anak Agon and Tuai Rumah Henry Gomes representing Teru/Ulu Teru Area and the people in these areas..
A spokesman for the community leaders and their people told The Borneo Post that on Jan 20, 2012 a report was lodged against the penghulu for alleged falsification of documents with the intention to cheat through the transferring of a few parcels of land from the deceased owner to his own family members.
He said the report was not the only one made against the penghulu as another report had been made against the penghulu and his son at Miri police station over an alleged unprovoked attack using a sharp weapons with an intention to cause death and the destruction of properties.
The spokesman said since both cases are still being investigated by the police, the community leader should not be promoted to the higher post of pemanca as his integrity was still under question.
“It is very difficult for the community in Marudi to accept an individual who has police reports made against him still pending being promoted to a pemanca to lead the community. His continued leadership would lead to further chaos and disharmony within the community as well as the source of embarrassment.
“We therefore strongly urge the authority to immediately withdraw his appointment as the pemanca and also terminate his term as penghulu and be replaced by some other more credible community leaders. It is imperative that the institution of community leaders be protected from doubts of integrity to maintain law and order within the community,” the spokesman said.