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Errant longhouse chiefs to face harsh penalties

Association

SIBU, Sarawak March 28, 2010: 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.

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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.

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