Stairway up a sacred mountain by Rintos Mail

Bamboo plants form an arch over the belian staircase.

THE mountain has been a source of clean water for drinking, bathing and washing among villagers in the lowlands not just in the past but probably today as well.

The lofty area is also believed to be a habitat for at least 30 species of amphibians and 19 species of reptiles, of which 14 are endemic to Borneo. At least 20 species of birds, 22 species of mammals, 86 species of butterflies and 1,178 species of plants are said to belong to some 69 families in the vicinity.

Moreover, there are about 150 groups of under-storey plants found within the mountain which can be used for landscaping, medicinal purposes, timber and handicrafts.

Located between Bau and Matang, Mount Singai was the abode of the Bisingai for more than 400 years before the villagers moved down to the lowlands in the early 1970’s.

Legend has it that the Bidayuh Singai settlers at Mount Singai in the early 1800’s were from Kalimantan. They left because of frequent attacks by their enemies, and were looking for a place to start a new settlement. Their choice was Mount Singai where they established their villages about a quarter-way up the mountain for better protection. The steep slope provided an impregnable buffer against attacks.

In the early days, the villages — Daun, Moti, Puot, Sajong, Saga, Somu, Sudoh and Tuben — were situated close to each other, yet separately administered under a village chief. The overall leader was the Orang Kaya Pemanca, locally referred to as Raja, a ruler of great power and influence.

The people practised paganism where Gawai Adat was then the Bisingai’s religion. It was based on the worship of the ancestral spirit called Ieng Sumuk Ieng Babai. The people also believed in supreme beings and had some faint idea of God.

Along the pathways and in their farms, they were said to have planted fruit trees and cash crops, resulting in a mosaic of secondary forests and gardens while the forests higher up in the mountain were left untouched till now.

Mount Singai with its unique flat summit is, indeed, an iconic landmark gracing the skyline.

Today, the Bidayuhs from Mount Singai have moved down and resettled in villages called Sagah, Bobak Tengah, Browing, Daun, Sinibung, Tanjong Bowang, Tanjong Poting, Atas, Sudoh, Apar. There have been repeated calls by the Bisingai for the mountain to be protected in order to preserve the social system, cultures and traditions of the community.

A lot of folklore, arts and crafts — basket, mats, traps and the like — need to be conserved and only by safeguarding nature at Mount Singai can these cultural treasures of the Bidayuhs be perpetuated.

Tall palm trees are part of the flora of Mount Singai.

Climb up Mt Singai

Together with my family, I recently made a day trip to Bau to ascend Mount Singai and see for myself the surrounding natural habitants and the flora and fauna.

For me, the forests in the area truly present an excellent opportunity for biodiversity and forest succession studies.

Along the belian plankwalk and stairway on the way up, we could see lots of large bamboo plants, tapang trees, palm (Arenga Sp) or ‘njuok’ in Bidayuh, ferns, wild flowers and fruit trees, especially durian and langsat, among others.

While taking a short break at one of the stations, I imagined what could possibly be around the entire mountain far beyond the Singai area. Perhaps, the forests are still rich in resources like the numerous ancient tapang trees and other huge hardwoods, fruit trees, bamboo for home flooring and walls and rattan for baskets and mats.

I also believe there are many more ‘njuok’ palms which produce a juice call ‘tuak njuok,’ normally consumed by men while socialising.

Checking out the area undoubtedly gives one greater insight into the history of Mount Singai — the cultures, the original settlements and the places connected with rites and rituals practised by the Bisingai centuries ago.

According to the Association of Research and Development Movement of Singai Sarawak (Redeems), the Mount Singai Study has been instituted and conducted by professors and students from Unimas and UiTM to collect data on the flora and fauna in the mountains of the typical Bidayuh areas.

Among the interesting discoveries is probably the smallest frog in the world on Mount Singai.

The comprehensive research was carried out in 2013 following a multi-disciplinary expedition, encompassing the entire Singai area, in 2010 by researchers from different institutions and agencies, including those from overseas.

The research, according to Redeems, covered the overall environment — physical, biodiversity, culture and religion of Singai area. The goal was to conserve these components as well as incorporate them into eco-tourism products.

Located just halfway up the mountain is a Catholic Memorial and Pilgrimage Centre (CMPC), which was blessed in November 1999. There used to be a small Catholic Chapel at the site for Bisingai Christian converts in 1885.

The CMPC area is quite interesting in itself, having a dinning-cum-community hall, hostel, chalets, public toilets, washrooms, generator-cum-storeroom, a retreat, flowing water from pipes and 24-hour electricity.

A new church in the shape of a Baruk, the Bidayuh ceremonial house, has also been built up there with a maximum seating capacity of 300.

There are also the Grotto of Our Lady, a caretaker’s house-cum-gift shop, stainless steel sculptures of the Risen Christ at the Centre and a car park at the foot of the mountain. Other facilities include a mini amphitheatre for about 1,200 people.

The church building in the shape of a Baruk.

Dual purpose

The CMPC has a dual purpose — serving as a permanent commemorative venue for the ancestors of the Bidayuhs and the first missionaries, and as a pilgrimage centre for Christians.

What is most impressive is that the entire CMPC area is well-maintained and clean with buildings resembling country resort chalets — enticing enough for a visit.

Except for leaves shed by the surrounding trees, there is hardly any garbage up and down the mountain. Access is by foot only, starting from the bottom of the mountain. It takes 30 to 40 minutes for a normal healthy person to reach the summit.

The trail is quite steep in some parts, giving healthy climbers a moderate heart rate but it is a nice walk up overall.

People normally make the pilgrimage on Sunday but we ascended the trail on Saturday and it was quieter. It took us 45 minutes from the foothill to the CMPC. Coming down was quick and easy. But whoever wants to hike to the summit must seriously consider bringing adequate water as perspiration can be quite profuse.

Fourteen sculptures are found along the way to the CMPC, each about 15 to 25 metres apart and with a brief history of the Passion and the Lord Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for mankind on the Cross.

While walking up the trail, we could hear birds singing among the trees. The tailor bird was the noisiest.

In the past, the shrill call of this bird would deter the pagan people from venturing into the jungles or embarking on a journey. It was considered a bad omen.

Nowadays, it’s the CMPC that adds to the attractions of Mount Singai aside from nature. The centre provides a haven for prayers and recollections among Christians, especially devoted Catholics. It is also an Ecumenical Centre for the Archdiocese of Kuching and the whole of Sarawak.

As a Catholic setup under St Stephen’s Parish Bau, priority to use the centre is given to Catholics but other Christian denominations of the Association of Churches of Sarawak are welcomed to use the place when it is available on the condition they respect the Catholic tradition.

The St Stephen’s Parish Council organises a pilgrimage to the Centre on the first Sunday of each month except Palm Sunday, and on the Feast of Christ the King when Mass will follow the Feast Day.

Today, the CMPC has become a popular weekend destination for urban dwellers, especially from Kuching, as well as a tourist attraction.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/03/13/stairway-up-a-sacred-mountain/#ixzz42jlY5CCi

Adenan — great defender of Sarawak’s rights

Adenan has ‘squeezed’ 13 authorities from Putrajaya in the first phase of negotiation on state autonomy.

THE past leaders had compromised and agreed to the terms, caveats and safeguards.

They had inked their signatures on the Inter-Governmental Committee Report (IGCR), the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and approved the amendments to the Federal Constitution in accordance to Annex A of the MA63. Yet, for more than five decades, the past leaders of the Central government had reneged on the IGCR and the MA63.

The IGCR, which forms the basis for the construction of the MA63, is very clear in as far as the type of caveats and safeguards provided to the Borneo States — and agreed to by all parties — is concerned.

The people in the Borneo States have not been assertive in making demands for their rights as per the IGCR and the MA63. Their unassertiveness could be that they  were ignorant of their rights or clueless that these rights are enshrined in the IGCR, the MA63 and the Federal Constitution.

The MA63 is the constitutional agreement made on the basis of whatever have been agreed to in the IGCR. It is an international document — not simply an agreement the Central government can ignore.

Being a lawyer, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem must have understood the document implicitly — a document protecting the Borneo States that Putrajaya cannot mess around with.

With the MA63 on his table, Adenan had begun to speak about Sarawak’s autonomy in June last year.

“Full autonomy was the status we had before September 16, 1963,” he was quoted as saying.

And today, he still takes the lead in trying to get back what rightly belongs to the State.

His bold move was lauded by Sarawakians from all walks of life. Many, especially those who have read their rights in the IGCR and MA63, regard Adenan as the first and foremost Sarawak leader who really fights for Sarawak’s rights. His endeavour has also received the thumbs-up from leaders and activists in Sabah, our neighbouring Borneo state.

Sabahans say Adenan has done a great thing by inviting Putrajaya to the negotiation table in a ‘gentleman’s way’.

The Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) is an international document.

Awakening Federal government

Zainnal Ajamain, author of a book ‘The Queen’s Obligation,’ praises Adenan for awakening the federal government to the need to comply with the wishes of the people of Sarawak and their safeguards as enshrined in the IGCR and the MA63.

Zainnal, who is also a passionate activist, promoting the formation of Malaysia and the MA63, noted that leaders in the two Borneo states had tried many ways to  broach the question on autonomy through earnest dialogue since 1966.

“But when they used a rebellious approach, a state of emergency was declared in Sarawak. When they tried to use a patriotic way, the Internal Security Act (ISA) came. When they used local political parties to fight against the Malayan bosses, Umno came to Sabah,” he noted.

“Now, the Borneo states have learnt from mistakes and Adenan is doing the right thing by using the ‘gentleman’s way’,” Zainnal added when asked to comment on Adenan’s success in inviting Putrajaya to the negotiation table.

He believed Adenan knew Sarawak’s advantages and Malaya’s disadvantages, stressing the Chief Minister has chosen the right approach and the more appropriate term to describe Adenan’s way is a ‘structured negotiation’.

“This means Adenan’s approach is well-arranged or well organised — not reckless, frivolous or rippled.”

Moreover, he said, Adenan did not use the 17 or 18 points agreements which do not have locus standi.

“He used the MA63. His choice is smart and safe.”

Zainnal said the MA63 is the most powerful document in Malaysia, adding that it is an international agreement and, therefore, whatever has been written in it cannot be amended by any parliamentary sitting in Malaysia.

He pointed out that the MA63 must be obeyed and if Putrajaya refused to abide by it, Sarawak could drag Putrajaya to London.

“And don’t forget, the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) has unanimously empowered the state government to talk to Putrajaya with regards to the matter. So now, it’s up to Putrajaya to solve it in a good way or solve it in London. If it is to be solved in London, whatever decision made in London cannot be appealed. The decision is final.”

In such an event, according to Zainnal, Sarawak can stand on its own feet. Even if it may not be ready, he said, Sarawak still has other alternatives.

Zainnal shows his book titled ‘The Queen’s Obligation; the MA63 and IGCR documents’.

A trust, not a country

Zainnal noted that Malaysia was constructed as a ‘trust’ with the United Kingdom as settler, the Federation of Malaya as trustee and the Borneo states as beneficiaries.

Therefore, he pointed out, Sarawak is a beneficiary in a federation, explaining that the Federation of Malaysia is more a ‘trust’ — not a country.

“If there is a beneficiary, there is a trustee. In the case of Malaysia, the trustee is Malaya. And Sarawak can change the trustee. Sarawak can choose another country as its new trustee as long as the country is a Commonwealth country. Sarawak can choose Pakistan, India, Singapore, Australia or New Zealand.”

Zainnal said realising the aforementioned implications — what Sarawak can do and what Malaya cannot obstruct or prevent — Putrajaya could not consider Adenan’s ‘gentleman’s way’ as of little value or importance.

He pointed out that Adenan, representing the state government of Sarawak, is inviting Malaya for negotiation and negotiation is between two nations and not between a nation and a state because in front of them, there is the MA63, an international document.

“Now, it all depends on how Malaya wants to come to the negotiation table. It’s not Sarawak which is in danger now, but Malaya. If Putrajaya takes the wrong steps, the Federation of Malaya will fall and cannot stand up again. Sarawak’s ‘gentleman’ way is now waiting.”

Also, contrary to the opposition’s views, Zainnal said, at his age, Adenan did not need to fish for votes, so it should not be politicised, adding that the Chief Minister was just doing the right thing that the people of the Borneo states should be doing — and therefore, all Sarawakians should give him their full support so that he could  proceed with his ‘structured negotiation’ to get back Sarawak’s autonomous rights from Putrajaya.

He pointed out that the power of the DUN is crucial because only the DUN can empower the State to make its demands to Putrajaya.

Zainnal also said Putrajaya did not have in writing Sarawak’s demands because if it had with regard to the issue, Sarawak would have become more advanced than  other states, including Kuala Lumpur.

Does Putrajaya want to fulfill the demands made by Adenan?

Zainnal’s response: “We in Borneo can only hope the demands will not be left unfulfilled. Otherwise, it will give us reasons to bring the issue to the international level. We must understand the MA63 is an international treaty and can only be resolved at the international level. Unfulfilled demands mean ‘there are disputes’ and this will give us reasons to bring the disputes up to the international level.”

The flag of the Kingdom of Sarawak, with a five-pointed crown located in the centre was used between 1948 and 1973.

Proud to be Sarawakians

Political analyst Datuk Peter Minos believed Adenan’s boldness in opening negotiations to get back Sarawak’s autonomous rights had made many people in the State proud to be Sarawakians.

He said based on the information he gathered during his recent one-week tour to Limbang, Miri, Bintulu, Sibu and other smaller places, most ordinary people of  all races were looking forward to Adenan’s success in getting Sarawak’s rights back from Kuala Lumpur.

“Many of them I talked to said Adenan has alerted Kuala Lumpur that Sarawak has been benignly neglected for 52 years since 1963 and that something must be  done about it. Aside from more funds, he has also asked for the necessary powers to accelerate development in Sarawak.”

Minos noted Adenan’s fight for state autonomous rights had gone down very well with Sarawakians.

“Autonomy is really close in our hearts — a very important issue for all Sarawakians today. The people I met have all expressed their full support for Adenan and to  them, the Chief Minister is a great defender of Sarawak’s rights.”

Despite what the critics say, Adenan has started reaping what he has sown. Following his negotiations with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak last month, Putrajaya has agreed to delegate powers to Sarawak officers, representing the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Education Service Commission, to fill these vacancies.

They include appointments of teachers, doctors and medical officers. The new powers mean Sarawak need not wait for Putrajaya’s approval to have these posts filled.

During the first negotiation, Adenan managed to squeeze some 13 authorities from Putrajaya. One is that the State Attorney General (SAG) now has the full power to decide prosecution of cases for offences under State Ordinances. Previously, this power lay solely with the Federal Attorney General.

Putrajaya has also agreed the ratio of Sarawak-born teachers serving in the State will be increased to 90 per cent by 2018. To ensure this target is achieved, temporary teachers will from time to time be considered for Diploma in Education courses while teaching.

Another major agreement is that the federal Welfare Department in the state will be merged with the Welfare Department and that the state will carry out all functions under the Welfare Department.

All posts will be transferred to the state Civil Service with federal staff having the option to join the state Civil Service. The federal government will contribute 50 per cent towards the costs incurred as decided by the National Finance Council.

The second phase of talks which will include Sarawak’s rights and autonomous position in Malaysia under the Constitution, the IGCR and the MA63, will start soon. The third and final phase will focus on the demand for a hike in oil and gas royalty (from the current 5 per cent to 20 per cent), the validity of the Territorial Waters Act and Petroleum Development Act.

The current Sarawak state flag has been in use since 1988.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/02/21/adenan-great-defender-of-sarawaks-rights/#ixzz41n93DSvg