MIRI — Boniface Bada @ Bada Enjah has been formally installed as Temenggong Iban of Miri Division, succeeding retired officeholder Wilson Atong in a ceremony at Kompleks Islam Sarawak on Friday. Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom presented the four-year appointment certificate (effective January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2028), emphasizing the critical role of traditional leaders in Sarawak’s governance structure.
“People’s Leaders (KMKK) are the backbone of grassroots administration,” declared Dr Rundi, who is also Kemena Assemblyman. He outlined strict performance expectations for the hierarchical system – comprising Temenggong (division), Pemanca (district), and Head (zone) levels – stressing that officeholders must “act within mandated boundaries with integrity or resign.” The minister concurrently advocated for a new Miri Division Resident Office, citing inadequate temporary facilities hindering administrative efficiency.
Deputy Minister of Public Health Datuk Dr Penguang Manglang charged the new Temenggong with revitalizing cultural stewardship: “Attend Gawai rituals in Marudi and Beluru, convene regular Pemanca councils, and ensure customs evolve contemporaneously.” Miri Resident Galong Luang detailed Sarawak’s unique three-tier KMKK framework during the induction, noting leaders must pass rigorous selection criteria including customary law proficiency for Bumiputera Court responsibilities.
The appointment follows comprehensive vetting by a residency-level panel evaluating age, health, education, and community dispute-resolution capabilities. Bada assumes leadership amid state efforts to strengthen Native Customary Rights (NCR) protections through traditional governance channels.