Feedback is needed for the appointment guidelines of Chief of the People, Chief of the Society

SIBU, 8 Oct: The Government of Sarawak needs feedback on the criteria and methods for appointing Chief Ministers as well as Community Heads to form guidelines related to the institution.

Deputy Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embassy said among the things to be discussed include minimum eligibility, election method, minimum age and retirement as well as whether someone still working can be appointed as Chief of the Nation

"I need feedback on the question to determine a clear guideline on it", said the Chairman of the Special Committee for Management of KMKK and JKKK Sarawak Affairs while addressing the inauguration of the Iban Custom Symposium 2026 here, today.

At the same time, Uggah said that the role of KMKK should also be clarified following the proposal to upgrade the Sarawak Bumiputera Court through the drafting of the Sarawak Bumiputera Court Act.

The restructuring proposal involved changes to the administrative structure and jurisdiction of the Bumiputera Sarawak Court, including proposals to appoint individuals with legal qualifications as full-time magistrates and judges in the new structure.

According to him, the changes also involve the role and functions of the Chief of the People as well as the Chief of the Society who is currently the presiding officer of the court at community level.

"The question that remains unclear is whether the KMKK's role in the 'Native Court' system will be upgraded. I hope that this symposium will be a platform to discuss these issues in an orderly manner", he added.

He added that the government through Sarawak Customs Institute (MAIS) has high expectations of community leaders institutions, especially Penghulu, Pemancha and Temenggong, who are at the forefront in implementing and maintaining Iban Customs.

He said that their responsibility is not only to ensure the continuation of customs, but also to ensure that knowledge, values, principles and spirit of customs are understood, respected and passed on to future generations.

In this regard, he said community leaders need to have a strong knowledge and understanding of customs and laws in order to be able to make good considerations when addressing issues related to the community.

According to him, the Iban Custom Symposium 2026 is also a platform for empowering community leaders through increased knowledge and understanding of customs and laws, as well as enhancing understanding of Iban Customs through documentation, research, oral knowledge gathering and experience sharing. - TVS