KUCHING: Four Sarawak native customary laws have been submitted for review as the Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak (MAIS) moves to strengthen and modernise the customary law framework.
Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai said the four draft reviews involved Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan and Kenyah customary laws.
He said the drafts had been submitted to the Sarawak State Attorney-General’s Chambers (SAGC) for review while the codification of Melanau customary law was also at the SAGC review stage.
“MAIS will continue to strengthen its role in preserving and developing the native customs of Sarawak through the codification and review of customs.
“These efforts also include the modernisation of customs and documentation of culture, traditions and history.
“This is important to ensure that Sarawak’s native customs remain relevant to social developments and current needs,” he said this in his welcoming speech during the Appreciation Ceremony in conjunction with the MAIS Members’ Meeting No. 2/2026 organised by the MAIS at voco Kuching on Tuesday (Sept 8).
Meanwhile, Sikie said he would attend the 2026 Iban Customary Symposium organised by MAIS to empower Community and Race Leaders in Sibu on September 30.
The symposium will be attended by 400 participants comprising Iban Community Leaders and Sarawak Government agencies.
He said the initiative was in line with MAIS’s responsibility in matters concerning native customs and will further strengthen efforts to uphold customs and empower the institution of Community and Village Leaders (KMKK) as among the key stakeholders in ensuring that customs continue to be understood, respected and practised within communities.
He cited that to strengthen MAIS’s role, a new Culture, Traditions and History Section had been established to undertake documentation of culture, traditions, history and heritage involving the majority native ethnic groups in Sarawak.
Additionally, he congratulated Datuk Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat on his appointment as MAIS Council Chairman for a three-year term, while Elsie William had reported for duty as the new Council Secretary.
He also congratulated the 11 MAIS Council members who were appointed from March 1 to February 28, 2029, namely Senator Rita Sarimah Patrick Insol, Temenggong Datuk Hasan Sui, Temenggong Nicholas Boyok Pura, Temenggong Joseph Ngau Lian, Temenggong Richard Mulok Entring, Temenggong Kloni Kanang @ Nelson Kloni, Temenggong Boniface Bada @ Bada Enjah, Temenggong Henry Bujang anak Sendan, Temenggong Limin anak Anai, Temenggong Leonard Libau anak Anol, and Pemanca Umek Jeno.
In addition, Deputy State Secretary of Sarawak (Administration) Datuk Felicia Tan Ya Hua has been appointed as a MAIS Council member representing the Sarawak Premier’s Department as an ex-officio member.
Sikie also expressed his appreciation to Datu Ronnie Edward, the former Council Chairman, and Mackos Sibong, the former Council Secretary, for their contributions and services throughout their tenure at the Sarawak Council for Customary Traditions.
