Cannot stay engaged more than two years

Penampang: The Council of Community Leaders which consists members of the Native Court here have announced improvements and standardisation of the terms and conditions of engagement for natives who wish to marry in accordance with the native adat during a meeting held at the District Office, Monday.District Chief OKK Bryan Matasing said this will enhance the native customs after several disputes were handled by the Native Court here due to poorly prepared engagement forms.

Amongst the terms to be enforced by the Village Chiefs when they are requested to attest the engagement ceremony are as follows:

• The engagement agreement will take effect from the date of the engagement ceremony and remains valid for one year;

• If the wedding did not occur within the first year then the two parties shall have another discussion to set a new date with a one year extension period;

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• If the wedding still failed to take place after two years then the engagement will be void automatically;

• However, if the couple still wish to get married then a new and final engagement form shall be prepared to set the wedding date as soon as possible.

It was also announced that the new monetised or benchmark value for one buffalo shall be RM2,500.

These guidelines will only be applicable in Penampang District as other districts have their own customs and traditions.

During the meeting, Matasing also reminded all village chiefs of the existing rules that they must be present during the engagement ceremony before signing any engagement forms and this function cannot be delegated to any other person, except another village chief from the nearest village if he is unable to be present.

All village chiefs cannot officiate or sign on the engagement form outside their village of jurisdiction.

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The village chiefs who were unable to attend the meeting will be issued with circulars on the new guidelines.

On the issue where the natives have chosen to register their marriage at the National Registration Department (NRD) but then bring back their marital and engagement disputes back to the Native Court, Matasing said this is a matter of coordination among the authorities and the Native Affairs Department will deal with the NRD to ensure the natives submit a proper engagement form when they register their marriage.

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