24-06-2025
State sets up committee to address Sarawak Native issues
Sikie joins the Ngiling Tikai ceremony. From third left are Teo, Melia, and Henry. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
KUCHING (June 24): The state government has established the 'Committee on Matters Pertaining to Sarawak Natives,' with a particular focus on issues concerning ethnic minority groups.
Minister in the Premier's Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai said the committee's secretariat will be managed by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.
'The purpose of setting up this committee is to deliberate on matters such as the spelling and pronunciation of ethnic group names, population data of minority groups, especially newly-recognised ones, and sub-ethnic groups seeking recognition under their own names.
'It will also cover cultural heritage matters, including traditions and languages of minority ethnic communities,' he said at the the Kuching Division Journalists Association Gawai Media Night 2025 yesterday.
Sikie explained that the committee would also support preparations for the gazettement of ethnic names, ensuring that the spelling and pronunciation are accurate and agreed upon by the respective communities.
'It will also help compile updated data on population and key settlement locations of minority ethnic groups in Sarawak,' he added.
He urged media practitioners in Sarawak to support efforts to promote and preserve the native languages of the state's diverse ethnic groups.
Among those present were Sikie's wife Datin Sri Melia Gelen, Deputy Minister of Transport Dato Henry Harry Jinep and KDJA president Ronnie Teo. Committee on Matters Pertaining to Sarawak Natives John Sikie Tayai lead
