KUCHING: The Sarawak Government and the Sarawak Council for Native Customs (MAIS) will continue strengthening their close cooperation in preserving and promoting the state’s diverse customs and cultural heritage.
This was emphasised during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed MAIS leadership, led by its head Datuk Dr Neilson Ilan Mersat, to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at his office here today.
The visit followed Ilan’s appointment as the new MAIS chief councillor after he assumed the role on July 13 for a three-year term.
Also present were MAIS Secretary Elsie William; Head of Iban Customs Research Section Dr Lambat Lindong; Head of Culture, Tradition and History Section Dr Chali Ungang; Head of Management Services Division Connie Christopher Kesa; Head of Bidayuh Customs Research Section Marteena Joe; and Head of Orang Ulu Customs Section Nicholas Jok.
During the meeting, Uggah congratulated Ilan on his appointment, as well as Elsie William on her appointment as MAIS Secretary.
“I congratulate Ilan and Elsie William on their respective appointments. I am confident that the new leadership will continue to strengthen MAIS’ role in preserving, empowering and elevating the customs and cultural heritage of Sarawak’s diverse communities,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.
Uggah said Sarawak’s rich diversity of customs, cultures and traditions inherited by its communities is a valuable heritage that must continue to be preserved, as it forms the foundation of the state’s identity, unity and harmony.
“The progress of a region is not only measured through physical and economic development, but also by its ability to preserve its identity, customs and cultural heritage. In this regard, MAIS carries an important responsibility to ensure that these treasures are preserved, documented and remain relevant for future generations,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the close cooperation between the Sarawak Government and MAIS would continue to be strengthened, particularly in enhancing research, documentation and preservation efforts to safeguard the state’s cultural heritage.
The courtesy visit served as a platform to further strengthen collaboration between the Sarawak Government and MAIS in preserving customs and cultural heritage as an important identity and valuable asset of the state.
