KUCHING (Oct 9): Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai has commended the Sarawak Council for Native Customs and Traditions (Mais) for its ongoing efforts to review and codify native laws across the state, including the Adat Bidayuh 1994.

Sikie was cited in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report as saying the continuous review process is essential to ensure that customary laws remain relevant and aligned with modern-day realities.

He noted that apart from the Adat Bidayuh 1994, Mais is also working to review and codify other customary laws such as the Adat Iban 1993, Adet Kayan-Kenyah 1994, Lun Bawang Custom 2004, Bisaya Custom 2004, Adet Kelabit 2008, and Adet Penan 2011.

“Mais plays a key role in maintaining and codifying indigenous customs throughout Sarawak. The review process is vital to ensure that native laws continue to serve as a bridge between heritage and progress,” he said at the closing of Simposium Adat Bidayuh 2025 at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Multipurpose Hall yesterday evening.

Sikie praised the Simposium Adat Bidayuh 2025, themed ‘Preservation and Development of Adat Bidayuh’, for contributing to this broader effort by fostering discussions that strengthen and modernise the Bidayuh community’s centuries-old customs.

“Through this symposium, we see how tradition continues to guide modern governance, unity, and justice. It shows that our customs are not static, as they are living systems that can adapt and thrive in changing times,” he said.

He expressed hope that continued collaboration among Mais, DBNA, and government agencies would further deepen understanding and appreciation of native customs.

“With sustained unity and wisdom, we can ensure that our adat remains a pillar of peace, justice, and shared prosperity,” he added.

He also underscored the importance of empowering Ketua Masyarakat and Ketua Kaum (KMKK) to administer customs with fairness, integrity, and understanding, describing them as the “frontline guardians” of cultural order and harmony.

Meanwhile, Mais secretary Mackos Sibong said the symposium gathered more than 500 participants from Kuching and Serian divisions, including community leaders, government departments, and DBNA members.

He said the discussions covered leadership roles, the revision of Adat Bidayuh 1994, customary land preservation, and legal perspectives within the Native Court system.

Among those present were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat and Adviser in the Sarawak Premier’s Office (Education) Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong.