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Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
A century of peace: Kapit remembers historic 1924 ceremony with book, bold new initiatives
(From left) Nanta, Linggi and Chukpai showing the book after the launch. KUCHING (May 30): The 100th anniversary of the Kapit peace-making ceremony, commemorated in December last year, has been immortalised in a book titled 'Commemorating a Century of Kapit Peace Making (1924-2024)'. The book was launched by federal Works Minister and Kapit MP Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi during a ceremony at the Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) here today. Highlighting the book's significance, he described it as a contribution to preserving the historical memory of a valuable turning point in Sarawak's history. 'The Kapit peace-making ceremony in 1924 was a significant milestone in the state's history. It laid the foundation for lasting peace in Sarawak and marked the end of inter- and intra-tribal warfare, forging a spirit of unity among the diverse ethnic communities,' he said in his speech. 'Today, Sarawak enjoys peace and stability. Our different ethnic groups work together harmoniously, sharing power and mutual respect.' Nanta added that documenting such significant events is vital for the younger – and with modern technology, these moments can be digitalised to ensure they are preserved and accessible for future generations. He commended the editorial committee for their tremendous effort in bringing the book to publication as well as for completing and publishing it in less than six months, since December last year. Among those present were Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department, Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon and Tun Jugah Foundation chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Leonard Linggi Jugah. Meanwhile, Nanta also spoke about the plan to set up a hero's square, to be named 'Dataran Bujang Berani', in Kapit as a tribute to the sacrifices and contributions of the Dayak community in safeguarding national security since the pre-independence era. He said the square would be built next to Fort Sylvia, with the works expected to reach completion within four to five years. 'The Dayak people – the Iban, Kayan, Kenyah, and others – have long contributed to the nation's development. Even before the formation of Malaysia, they fought to protect Malaya during the Malayan Emergency as part of the Sarawak Rangers, which later became the Malaysian Rangers. 'This legacy of service continues today, with many from the Kapit Division, including those from Belaga and Murum districts, still serving in the country's security forces,' he said at a press conference after the book launch. Earlier, Nanta said the square's construction is a direct initiative arising from the 100th anniversary of Kapit peace-making, which took place December last year, and has received full support from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He also revealed that several consultants have begun designing an iconic monument, set to become the square's main attraction. Moreover, Nanta announced the establishment of the Dayak Heritage Centre in Kapit, which has been approved in principle by the Sarawak government. 'We are working closely with Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang and Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon on this project to identify heritage symbols representing our origins as Sarawakians,' he added.
The Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Landmark 100-year-old peace treaty in Sarawak commemorated in new book
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi looking through the newly-launched book commemorating the Kapit peacemaking ceremony at the Dayak Cultural Foundation in Kuching. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star KUCHING: On Nov 16, 1924, a peacemaking ceremony in Kapit brought a formal end to tribal conflicts among the indigenous communities in Sarawak's interior. The event brought together Iban, Kayan, Kenyah and Kajang leaders, who signed a treaty in a grand ceremony marked by customary reconciliation rituals and formal administrative protocols. This historic occasion and its 100th anniversary celebration in December last year have now been documented in a new book, "Commemorating a Century of Kapit Peacemaking (1924-2024)", by the Dayak Cultural Foundation and Tun Jugah Foundation. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the book captured a valuable turning point in Sarawak's history. "The Kapit peacemaking ceremony held a century ago was a pivotal event that laid the foundation for lasting peace in Sarawak. "It marked the end of inter- and intra-tribal warfare, forging a spirit of unity among the diverse ethnic communities," he said when launching the book at the Dayak Cultural Foundation here on Friday (May 30). Nanta said Sarawak now enjoyed peace and stability, with a conducive environment for development and progress. "Our different ethnic groups now work together harmoniously, sharing power and respecting one another. "This unity is the strength of our state and it bodes well for Sarawak's future." Nanta also said a Dataran Bujang Berani, or Warriors' Square, would be constructed in Kapit to commemorate the Dayaks who served in the nation's security forces. "Even before Malaysia's formation, they fought in Malaya during the Emergency. Until today, many Dayaks from Kapit serve in the security forces," he said. Meanwhile, editor Dr Regina Garai said the book recorded the history of the Kapit agreement as well as the events and reflections of its centenary celebration. "It is crucial to document the events and activities surrounding this momentous occasion, or they risk being forgotten over time. "By recording this history in a book, we ensure that future generations can learn about, appreciate and understand our efforts in commemorating this important event," she said. She added that the book would serve as a resource for future generations and researchers, besides igniting interest in Sarawak's history. "We also hope it will serve as a bridge between past and present, offering insights for scholars, educators and the wider community."
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Failure to meet conditions led to termination of upper Baram Forest Project
KUCHING: The failure of Switzerland-based environmental group Bruno Manser Fonds (BMF) to meet conditions set by the Sarawak government has led to the termination of the Upper Baram Forest Area (UBFA) project under the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO). Deputy Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh said BMF had focused solely on the Penan community in the UBFA, overlooking other key indigenous groups such as the Kenyah, Kelabit and Saban, who also have legitimate interests in the area. Responding to a question from Datuk Dennis Ngau (GPS–Telang Usan) during the Sarawak legislative assembly sitting today, Len Talif said BMF's approach risked undermining community harmony. "BMF sought to designate the area as a 'Purely Conservation Area' solely for the Penan's livelihood, despite the existence of a TPA (Totally Protected Area) nearby," he said. He added that the project's termination would not affect the well-being of local communities, as various initiatives by the Forest Department, ministries and government agencies are being executed to improve livelihoods across multiple sectors. Len Talif said the Sarawak government has collaborated with ITTO through the Forest Department on 16 projects since 1992, with a total value of RM68.8 million. "The Sarawak Forest Department has not cancelled a single project signed with ITTO since 1992, except for this one involving the UBFA," he said. He added that the department is set to implement two new projects with ITTO this year: one in Sungai Menyang, Batang Ai, with an allocation of RM1.12 million, and another in Upper Baram, with RM645,000. "The Sarawak government, acting through the Forest Department, has no issue working with any NGO, whether local or international, as long as their agenda does not conflict with state or federal government policies," he said. – BERNAMA
The Star
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Upper Baram IITO project terminated due to non-compliance by foreign NGO, Sarawak assembly hears
State Deputy Natural Resources and Urban Development Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh addressing the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Tuesday (May 20). KUCHING: An International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) project in the Upper Baram Forest Area (UBFA) has been terminated due to non-compliance by a foreign NGO, the Sarawak legislative assembly was told on Tuesday (May 20). State Deputy Natural Resources and Urban Development Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the terminated project was the "Management of Upper Baram for Conservation and Sustainable Development with Involvement of Local Communities", which involved the Swiss-based Bruno Manser Fonds (BMF). "The project was terminated because BMF did not comply with the conditions set by the Sarawak government. "They focused solely on the Penan, whereas other communities including the Kenyah, Kelabit and Saban also have common interests in the area. "This can disrupt the harmony among the communities," he told Datuk Dennis Ngau (GPS-Telang Usan) during question time on Tuesday (May 20). Len Talif said BMF also wanted to designate the project area as a "Purely Conservation Area" for the survival of the Penan, although there was already a totally protected area nearby. He said ITTO agreed to the termination during a steering committee meeting on Oct 10 last year. "The decision to terminate the project will not affect the livelihood of the communities in the area, including the Penan. "This is in view of the various projects to improve living standards which are being implemented by the Forestry Department and relevant department agencies," he said. Len Talif said this was the only ITTO project in Sarawak to be terminated to date. He said the state Forestry Department had worked with ITTO on 16 projects since 1992, including three in Ulu Baram and one in Sungai Menyang, Lubok Antu. "The Sarawak government, through the Forestry Department, has no problem working with any NGO, whether local or foreign, as long as their agenda does not go against the policies of the state or Federal governments," he added.
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Len Talif: ITTO agreed to Upper Baram Forest Area project's termination, sole focus on Penan community undermined area's harmony
Datuk Len Talif Salleh KUCHING (May 20): The International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) agreed with the termination of the Upper Baram Forest Area (UBFA) project, said Datuk Len Talif Salleh. The Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment explained that the project titled 'Management of Upper Baram for Conservation and Sustainable Development with Involvement of Local Communities', which involved Bruno Manser Fonds (BMF), was terminated during the Steering Committee Meeting on Oct 10 last year. According to him, the project's termination was justified due to several reasons. 'BMF failed to comply with the conditions set by the Sarawak government by focusing solely on one ethnic group, the Penan, even though other communities such as the Kenyah, Kelabit, and Saban also have significant interests in the area. 'This approach risks undermining the harmony among the communities,' he explained during the question-and-answer session in the State Legislative Assembly today. He was responding to Dennis Ngau (GPS-Telang Usan), who had asked the ministry to clarify the termination of the UBFA project as well as the government's actions and plans for the communities within the affected area. Len Talif said BMF also intended to designate the area as a 'Purely Conservation Area' solely for the survival of the Penan community, even though a Totally Protected Area (TPA) already exists nearby. According to him, the project's termination would not adversely affect the livelihood of the communities in the area. 'This includes the Penan community, as various development projects and programmes aimed at improving their standard of living have been and will continue to be implemented by the Forest Department, ministries, departments, and other government agencies across various sectors,' he said. The Sarawak government has signed four Project Agreement Letters of Consent with the ITTO – two projects on March 20, 2023 and another two on Sept 9, 2024. Three of the projects are in Ulu Baram, while the fourth project is in Sungai Menyang, Lubok Antu. Since 1992, the Sarawak Forest Department has never cancelled any project signed with ITTO except for UBFA.
