Second edition Kayan language Bible launched to meet demand
MIRI: The second edition of the Kayan language Bible was launched on March 15 at the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) Long Bedian church.
Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau, who officiated at the launching ceremony, said he was honoured to be part of the special event.
Dennis, who is Sarawak Kayan Association (PKS) president, also thanked the association’s committee members who had worked tirelessly since 2013 to have the second edition printed.
He revealed that the first edition of the manuscript was published in the 1970s, and the second edition was printed following popular demand.
“Apart from that, with the challenges of today’s world where our children prefer to communicate, speak and write in English and Bahasa Malaysia, it seems that there is a possibility that the fluency of the Kayans themselves in their ethnic language is fading over time,” he said.
In addition to getting closer to God, Dennis said reading the Bible can also be a way for the Kayan community to recognise, understand and speak the Kayan language better.
In view of this, he urged BEM Sarawak members, especially the younger generation, to get a copy of the Bible.
“It is not wrong for us to buy a copy of this Bible and give it to our children, especially on their birthdays. Make it a birthday gift so that they are close to God and understand their ethnicity through the writings in the Bible,” he said.
Dennis was informed that 6,000 copies of the Kayan language Bibles have been printed overseas and brought to Sarawak.
However, he said there is a possibility that this would not be enough as there are an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 Kayans who have become members of BEM Sarawak.
Therefore, he said it is appropriate for PKS to increase the number of prints to meet demand.
Apart from that, with the challenges of today’s world where our children prefer to communicate, speak and write in English and Bahasa Malaysia, it seems that there is a possibility that the fluency of the Kayans themselves in their ethnic language is fading over time.
Dato Dennis Ngau