THE Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (MAIS) is exploring new methods, including Artificial Intelligence, to support its expanding research and documentation of adat of native races in Sarawak.
Minister in the Premier’s Department and Kakus assemblyman Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai said that the council has been actively carrying out works on the preservation, development and dissemination of adat throughout 2025, in line with its core statutory roles.
He said preservation efforts include writing down and recording native adat in their original forms, a task that has been undertaken since 1974. However, the increasing complexities and workload have prompted the council to consider adopting modern technologies to assist its research and writing processes.
“The development of adat involves studying their relevance and significance in regulating social relations within native communities.
“When certain adat are found to be diminishing or no longer relevant due to evolving socio-economic environments, efforts are taken to modernise them so they continue to serve the needs of the community,” he said when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech in the august House today (Dec 1).
He said many native adat originate from ancient beliefs, customs, practices and spiritual sanctions, making some unsuitable for current social conditions.
“For this reason, the Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak began modernising adat at the end of 2022, focusing on reinterpretation, enhancement and the introduction of new provisions.
“The reinterpretation process examines the purpose and rationale behind traditional adat, particularly those intertwined with spirituality, to identify the ideals intended for the community. Alternative secular provisions are then recommended without abolishing the traditional adat, allowing both to coexist for different social needs.
“To ease psychological distress and enforcement challenges, the council suggests awarding legal custody to one parent, with the other granted visitation rights and required to provide maintenance,” he said.
