NGO upset Murut authorities not consulted on telemovie
Published on: Saturday, September 14, 2019
By: Mail Mathew
Rudy
Tenom: NGO Mamagun Sabah (Mamagun) takes a serious view of the telemovie cum documentary entitled “Berian Sampai Mati” involving the customs of the Murut without the permission or approval of those familiar with the Murut customs which they considered to be an attempt to dispel the actual fact.Its president, Rudy Sulaiman Mairi, said any attempt to publish a documentary or telemovie as a public event was not a hindrance but the publisher should seek the views or advice of those familiar with the custom, especially the Native Court first.ADVERTISEMENT
Rudy said Mamagun had no objection in supporting any party to adopt the custom and architecture of the Murut tribe as a documentary or telemovie as long as the use of custom slots are not altered or deviated from its original meaning.
“We are concerned that if it were misunderstood, the meaning of the custom will deviate from its original meaning, and if left uncorrected would have disrupted the meaning of the custom and passed on to a new generation who do not understand and recognise the custom.
Rudy was commenting on the television production of “Berian Sampai Mati” which will be broadcast on Okey TV channel (Astro 109) on Sept 21.
“He said at one point Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka (DPB) had also imposed a sogit (fine) for mistakes in a Form 1 history book on the issue of Murut burial matters.. where besides the sogit, the books circulated was also recalled,” he said.ADVERTISEMENT
However, it is understood that RTM had postponed the broadcast of the telefilm after having discussions with former Kemabong Assemblyman and Sabah Murut Association (PMS) President Datuk Rubin Balang recently, to provide space for discussion with the Murut leaders first.
Meanwhile, Rudy also agreed with Rubin that those who produce documentary or telemovie should seek the advice of PMS or other relevant Murut associations so that any published publications would not incite anger among the Murut community.
ADVERTISEMENT
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
In the past, various parties, especially the Murut community, have voiced protest on social media about the telemovie which does not reflect the custom of the tribe, besides asking the telemovie producer to respect the custom of the Murut , and they hope that this will not happen again in the future.