22-06-2025
SEDC chairman, wife given Kelabit names, signifying honour from community
Isaac puts the Kelabit traditional vest, 'Sapa Arit', on Abdul Aziz, after the presentation of Kelabit name certificate to the latter, witnessed by Nur Ashima (right) and others on stage.
KUCHING (June 22): The Rurum Kelabit Sarawak (RKS) held a private ceremony today to officially declare the Kelabit name for Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain.
According to RKS president Dato Isaac Lugun @ Maran Tadun, the formal conferment of the traditional Kelabit name 'Raja Buren', was made in recognition of Abdul Aziz's longstanding support for, and connection to, the Kelabit community.
In Kelabit tongue, 'Raja' means 'king' and 'Buren' means praiseworthy.
Moreover, Abdul Aziz's wife Puan Sri Datin Amar Nur Ashima Aziz was also presented with the certificate bearing her Kelabit name, 'Sinah Raja Buren' – acknowledging her grace, strength, and support as a partner in service, in keeping with the tradition of recognising both individuals in such a conferment.
'The conferment of a Kelabit name is a time-honoured tradition that reflects the community's respect and recognition for individuals who have maintained meaningful ties with the Kelabit people, and who are regarded as embodying the spirit of community, wisdom, and service — qualities exemplified by 'Tan Sri Raja Buren' (Abdul Aziz) and 'Sinah Raja Buren' (Nur Ashima).
'This gesture reflects the Kelabit community's appreciation of individuals who have stood in solidarity with us over the years,' explained Isaac.
Meanwhile, Abdul Aziz, in his speech, said he was deeply moved by the honour accorded upon him by the Kelabit community.
'The name 'Raja Buren' will be with me, guide me, and keep me anchored in this meaningful relationship.
'It is also a promise that I will continue to support, to uphold, and honour the aspirations of the Kelabit people in any way I can,' he said.
Abdul Aziz (seventh right) and Nur Ashima (seventh left) in a group photo with Isaac (fourth right) and other guests, including Dr Chan (sixth right) and Lorna (fifth right), taken after the ceremony.
The event was also attended by former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan and wife Dato Lorna Enan Muloon.
The programme included a reflection on the significance of the Kelabit name by RKS advisor Datu Ose Murang @ Tadun Bala, and remarks by Pemanca Caleena Lallang Sakai @ Ribed Inan, who spoke on behalf of the community.
In his speech, Ose spoke about an occasion in 2006 when Abdul Aziz, who was then the state secretary, visited Bario to officiate at several events including a dialogue with the Kelabit community there.
'During that visit, he (Abdul Aziz) also climbed up the 2,424m Mount Murud, the highest mountain in Sarawak,' he said.
