PROMINENT Sarawakian activist Peter John Jaban has insinuated that there is “no space for JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) in Sarawak” judging from the overwhelming support by people of all races and religions in the Borneo Tuak Festival held over the recent weekend (Sept 14-16).

The Malaysian Action for Justice and Unity (MAJU) co-founder has earlier described as “a shining example of solidarity” the attendance by many Muslims of mixed parentage at the event jointly organised by the Sago Group and the Culinary Heritage and Arts Society Sarawak (CHASS) in collaboration with several other native groups.

“Not only that the festival was supported by the state’s Creative Industry and Performing Arts Ministry, but it attracted some 80 booths the festival showed that culture, enjoyment and respect can harmoniously co-exist in Sarawak,” Jaban pointed out in a media statement.

“Sarawak is more than just a territory. We are a living, breathing testament to resilience, diversity and unity.”

On that note, the Sarawak Associations for Peoples Aspiration (SAPA) publicity and information chief contended that Sarawakians are also very apprehensive about JAKIM contemplating to make halal certification compulsory for pork/alcohol-free restaurants and food establishments.

“This latest Malaysia Madani policy measure will have serious negative ramifications and ripple effects intended and unintended on society and community in Sabah and Sarawak,” lamented Jaban.

“From this festival, we’ve seen how communities collaborate with rural brewers, urban creatives - young and old - to create something bigger than themselves.

“While other parts of the country wrestle with division and extremism, we lead by example here in Sarawak. We don’t just co-exist but we thrive together where all the Malays, Dayaks, Chinese, Indians, Orang Ulu and foreigners live, work and celebrate in harmony.”

A Dayak word, tuak which is also known as lihing in the Kadazan-Dusun dialect or tapai in Malay is a rice wine made from fermented rice and yeast with an alcohol content between 5% and 20%. A common beverage in Borneo, it is particularly important for the Dayak people who are mostly made up of non-Muslims.

Jaban further claimed that the fear of alcohol is misplaced given “the concern of extremists towards alcohol is directed at the unity it brings”.

“While we acknowledge the potential social issues that alcohol can cause, these problems stem from people, not the drink itself,” philosophised Jaban who is also the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA) former deputy chairman.

“The Borneo Tuak Festival celebrates tuak, an indigenous cultural product and shows that alcohol - when respected - can unite rather than divide. When we celebrate tuak, we are celebrating more than a drink, we are celebrating our shared identity.” - Sept 18, 2024

https://focusmalaysia.my/theres-unlikely-a-home-for-jakim-in-sarawak-where-alcoholic-tuak-thrives-among-its-diverse-populace/