First draft on : Fri July 24, 2015
PENAMPANG. The Council of Community Leaders which consist
of 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 today.
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 the new date with a one year extension period. 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 monetized or benchmark
value for one buffalo shall be RM2500.
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 on the 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.
The village chiefs who were unable to attend the meeting
today will be issued with circulars on the new guidelines.
On the issue where the natives have chosen to register
their marriage at the JPN or National Registration Department but then bring
back their marital and engagement disputes back to the Native Court, Matasing
said this is a matter of coordination amongst the authorities and the Native
Affairs Department will deal with the JPN to ensure the natives must submit a
proper engagement form when they register their marriage.
PHOTO: 22 COUNCIL
members who attended the meeting, Matasing seated 3rd right
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