Produce scholarly works on Rentap, Bukit Sadok to preserve Sarawak's heritage
KUCHING: Local literary works detailing the events at Bukit Sadok, which chronicle the struggles of Iban warrior Rentap, should be produced comprehensively to preserve Sarawak's historical heritage, State Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said.
Such books must be rich in historical facts about Rentap's heroism, including thorough research on whether the warrior had any links to piracy during the Brooke administration, he said.
'If possible, conduct studies from our historical perspective because there are connections to piracy. Was Rentap truly involved? Therefore, undertake historical research like what Datuk Dr Sanib Said has done... perhaps we can write this book from our perspective, supported by facts.
'A second book could be the story of 'Merpati Jepang' (pre-Brooke rule historical figure), the 'seed of power' in Sarawak, because Sarawak back then was not like today, it extended to Lidah Tanah and Siniawan,' he said.
Abang Johari said this at the Sarawak Premier Book Awards ceremony hosted by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) here last night.
Bukit Sadok, located in the Betong district, was the site where Rentap, whose full name was Libau anak Ningkan, built a fortress to defend against the forces of Charles Brooke.
Abang Johari also encouraged Sarawakian writers to use native dialects in their literary works to reflect and preserve the state's rich cultural identity through writing.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
10 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Muntat Gamang holds traditional ‘miring pengaroh' ritual in Miri for Gawai
The 'miring pengaroh' ritual being carried out at Rumah Chendang, Jalan Miri-Bintulu yesterday. MIRI (June 6): Around 40 members of Perguruan Muntat Gamang Sarawak gathered for a 'miring pengaroh' ritual at Tr Chendang longhouse, Batu 13, Jalan Miri-Bintulu yesterday in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak celebration. The ritual was led by Muntat Gamang Grandmaster Ugik Jalit, assisted by 'tuai kayau' Dennis Jarraw, 'sapit tuai kayau' Silo Amit, Donny Tambab, and 'tukang biau' Rudy Reba. The ceremony began with a 'miring ngalu ke pengabang', where arriving guests were greeted with a glass of tuak (rice wine). This was followed by the main miring ceremony to seek blessings from Petara (god), which also saw participation from residents of the longhouse. Tuai Rumah Chendang, who was present at the event, expressed his delight at seeing younger generations continuing to practise Iban traditions. 'Of course, now we all have our own religion, but we should never forget our adat asal (ancestral traditions). We can still practise them without compromising our beliefs, so that our younger generation can learn about their cultural heritage,' he said. Meanwhile, Ugik reaffirmed Perguruan Muntat Gamang's commitment to preserving Iban customs and passing them on to future generations. 'It is important for us to uphold these traditions, because if we don't, who else will do it for us?' he said. The ceremony concluded with a feast of traditional food, kuntau (martial arts) demonstrations, ngajat dance performances, and singing sessions, among other activities. Gawai Dayak miring pengaroh Perguruan Muntat Gamang traditional
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Borneo Post
Sabah's ethnic literature has potential to flourish within, beyond Malaysia
Dr Henry Bating (front left) during the field research with FIB UNAIR students. KOTA KINABALU (June 2): Sabah's ethnic literature has the potential to flourish both within and outside of Malaysia due to its recognition and support from Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), as well as its relevance to communities and ethnicities within the BIMP-EAGA zone. Senior lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Dr Henry Bating, said that the development of Sabah's ethnic literature — including that of Sarawak, the Chinese (Mahua), Indian (Kayvean/Tamil), Siamese descendants, and the Orang Asli — has directly received support from DBP through, among other initiatives, the annual multi-ethnic literature seminars. 'Meanwhile, the connection of Sabah's ethnic literature with communities in the BIMP-EAGA zone allows it to thrive beyond Malaysia's borders,' he said while delivering a guest lecture at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) in Surabaya, Indonesia on May 27. Henry, who also chairs the Kadazandusun Language Unit at the Centre for the Promotion of Knowledge and Language (PPIB) at UMS, views Sabah's ethnic literature — due to its cross-border community ties — as a valuable resource to broaden students' understanding of the associated cultures and communities. 'Cultural and community knowledge can help students master listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, including singing, as part of the Kadazandusun language elective course offered at PPIB UMS,' he added. The guest lecture and field research were part of an ongoing collaboration between FIB UNAIR and PPIB UMS that began a year ago. Two senior lecturers from PPIB participated in the guest lecture program. Henry presented a lecture titled 'Sabah Ethnic Literature and Multiculturalism in Malaysian and Indonesian Literature', while Dr Shakiratul Hanany Abdul Rahman delivered a lecture on 'Malay Drama in the Teaching of English in Malaysian Secondary Schools'. As part of the development of Sabah's ethnic literature, the Momogun Writers Association of Malaysia (Momogunsia) once organized a regional literature seminar involving presenters from the University of the Philippines (UP), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and the Central Kalimantan Cultural Board on October 22, 2016, at SMK Matunggong. This cross-border seminar was financially and logistically supported by DBP and the Office of the Kota Marudu Member of Parliament, which was then represented by Datuk Seri Dr. Maximus J. Ongkili.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Borneo Post
Iban longhouse keeps decades-old Gawai ritual alive to honour ancestors
The festive cheer at Rumah Punggah here began to bloom days ahead of the Gawai Dayak celebration on June 1, not just with the return of family members from afar, but with the revival of a beloved tradition that has graced this longhouse for nearly 60 years. – Bernama photo SARATOK (June 2): The festive cheer at Rumah Punggah here began to bloom days ahead of the Gawai Dayak celebration on June 1, not just with the return of family members from afar, but with the revival of a beloved tradition that has graced this longhouse for nearly 60 years. At the 48-door longhouse in Temudok Krian on the eve of the celebration yesterday, residents were already up and about early in the morning, abuzz with energy as they put the final touches on preparations for 'Ngasi Makan Tiang Pengingat', a time-honoured ritual set to take place later in the day. According to the head of the longhouse, Tuai Rumah Punggah Gama, 70, the ceremony is more than just an annual ritual, it's a heartfelt tribute to their ancestors and a powerful symbol of unity for the community. 'It's not just a wooden post standing there. The 'Tiang Pengingat' holds the spirit of our memories, our values, and our strength as a people. When we perform 'ngasi makan', it shows that we remember and honour where we come from,' he told Bernama. The four-sided belian wood pillar, standing around 3.5 metres tall in front of the longhouse, was first erected on June 1, 1966, the date of the community's very first Gawai Dayak celebration. Since then, it has stood as a proud marker of heritage through the generations. As dusk nears, the ceremony began with 'miring', a traditional Iban invocation of blessings, followed by the symbolic sacrifice of a rooster, its blood gently smeared onto the Tiang Pengingat, which bears inscriptions marking that historic first Gawai and is adorned with intricate traditional decorations Offerings of glutinous rice and dishes wrapped in banana leaves, lovingly prepared by the longhouse folk since morning, were placed at the foot of the pillar, accompanied by tuak, the traditional Iban rice wine. As dusk nears, the ceremony began with 'miring', a traditional Iban invocation of blessings, followed by the symbolic sacrifice of a rooster, its blood gently smeared onto the Tiang Pengingat, which bears inscriptions marking that historic first Gawai and is adorned with intricate traditional decorations. – Bernama photo Traditional 'pantun' echoed through the longhouse as they were recited alongside the steady rhythm of gongs played by the residents. The ritual usually continues until sunset, wrapping the day in a soulful, celebratory air. Though nearly six decades have passed since the first families settled in this longhouse, the enthusiasm of the residents, especially the younger generation, to take part in the ritual speaks volumes of their dedication to preserving their cultural roots. 'We want our young ones to know their origins. When they're involved in these rituals from a young age, they grow up proud of being Iban,' Punggah added, with a smile full of hope. – Bernama Gawai Dayak lead longhouse Rumah Punggah tradition
