Kenyahs of Long Selaan praised for unity despite minor differences
MARUDI: The two Kenyah ethnic sub- groups at Long Selang in the Kedaya Telang Usan area are praised for their great sense of unity despite their very small number, which allows them to work and live happily together.
Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau said this at ‘ Pesta Penguman Asen’ in Long Selaan, upper Baram recently.
He also praised the two ethnic sub- groups for successfully organising the inaugural festival with almost zero fund, under the chairmanship of Joseph Apoi.
“I know it’s not easy to gather the more than 600 people in the village at any one time taking into account the food, accommodation, and logistics that had to be prepared long before hand.”
Long Selaan is a Kenyah village (two longhouses) deep in upper Baram, populated by two Kenyah sub- ethnic groups, led by Lucas Ngau and Peter Lalo who were appointed by the government.
The village is a glowing example of how a small community could become strong to propel them to greater heights if they choose to work well with each other.
Dennis said people of the two longhouses made it a point to always work together and do bigger things the gotong-royong (work party) way.
“I hope the current and future generations of the two sub- ethnic groups in the village would continue to live through their differences, and to uphold the unique characteristics.
Dennis added that he already knew of the people of Long Selaan since he became their elected representative from 2011 to 2016.
“You are two different subethnic groups under two different village chiefs with two Christian denominations (BEM and Roman Catholic). You inspire everyone to live harmoniously together.
The village now comes under Mulu constituency but the villagers still regard Dennis as their friend.
On the festival itself, Dennis said he’s confident that it would grow into one big tourism product in northern Sarawak.
“This will hopefully complement the many tourism-related events held in Telang Usan such as the Sarawak Highland Folks and Dance Festival, Water Festival ( Long Lama), White Water Rafting ( Tinjar), Sape Festival ( Long San) and Pesta Penguman Asen Durian ( Long Lama),” he said.