The Association of Longhouse Chiefs Sibu (PTRS)

Errant longhouse chiefs to face harsh penalties — Association

March 28, 2010, Sunday

SIBU: The Association of Longhouse Chiefs Sibu (PTRS) promised that harsh action including expulsion would be taken against members guilty of tarnishing its name.

Its chairman Tuai Rumah (TR) James Semilan said a member who is disloyal and who has incited their charges to go against the government, will either be suspended or expelled from the association.

“We will not tolerate or compromise with anyone who tarnishes the image of the association,” James said at a press conference here yesterday.

He was accompanied by TR Stanley Geramong, TR Juing Buntuok, TR Sebastian Onggoh, TR Linus Meling and TR Abell Mang.

James was responding to a comment by Penghulu Enyang Menchol who said he could not grasp the rationale behind the formation of the association.

Enyang also reportedly said he hoped that the associations would not be misused by anyone to go against the government.

On this, James said: “We do understand that we are appointed by the government and given monthly allowances.

“Therefore, by virtue of the appointment we are also part and parcel of the government service.

“As such, why should we misuse the association to go against the government?”

He assured that PTR like other associations in the country had clear objectives and missions and had approval from the Registrar of Societies (ROS).

ROS, he went on to say, would not approve the registration of any association if it was found harbouring ill intention.

All PTR in Sarawak such as those in Kanowit, Sri Aman, Suai and so forth had been approved by the authority.

Hence, they disagreed with the Penghulu, said James, who stressed that PTR is purely a non-profit organisation.

He asserted that “members are not after personal gain, self interest or hidden agenda”.

James assured that PTR Sibu would not be discouraged by any negative comments about them.

Instead they would work hard to enhance the social and economic welfare of the longhouse people, he said.

As pioneer members of the association, they are duty bound to pass down the organisation to the coming generation of better educated longhouse chiefs.

“They will shape the future of the association,” said James.

PTR Sibu was approved by the ROS last Jan 21. Among its key objectives are to promote goodwill and harmony among all races.

“PTR Sibu also strives to promote the education of longhouse people,” he said.

(http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=20021)