Muhibah project amplifies indigenous narratives
6 June 2023
Muhibah is a project initiated by Monash University Malaysia to understand and study the transition process experienced by indigenous families. Initially focused on the Iban and Bidayuh communities in Sarawak, Borneo, the project aims to expand its scope to include Orang Asli communities in the peninsular region, specifically the Negritos, Semai, and Proto-Malays. The transformations witnessed in the lives of indigenous peoples in Malaysia have been remarkable. They have transitioned from an economic existence closely intertwined with the land and sea to facing significant challenges related to land rights, cultural identity, and the crucial task of preserving their traditional skills and knowledge. These issues resonate globally, as they reflect a recurring theme found across different regions of the world.
A transdisciplinary and cross-cultural team comprising Professor Maude Phipps, an internationally renowned human geneticist with a passion for indigenous engagement and genomics and Dr Mark Balnaves, a media expert from Monash University Malaysia; Joe Sidek, the creator of the Georgetown Festival; Brandon Ritom, a young Sarawak artist; Dr Tim Jinam, a Sarawakian population geneticist and Ensera Creatives, a Kuching based video production company, have come together to provide insights into the different types of transition that are facing Sarawak families and, importantly, the lessons that they provide for contemporary industrial societies in understanding transition and change. This initiative is poised to expand into partnerships with Professor Paul Long and colleagues at Monash University, Australian and Malaysian agencies, other academic institutions and industry.
In Sarawak and Sabah in East Malaysia, the indigenous peoples are collectively termed Orang Asal, although there are more specific local terminologies. The Sarawakians include the Iban, Bidayuh, Kenyah, Kayan, Kedayan, Lunbawang, Punan, Bisayah, Kelabit, Berawan, Kejaman, Ukit, Sekapan, Melanau and Penan. They constitute around 1,932,000, or 71% of Sarawak's population of 2,707,600. In Sabah, there are 39 different indigenous ethnic groups, such as Kadasan-Dusun, Bajau, Paitan, and Muruts, who constitute 2,233,100, 59% of Sabah’s population of 3,813,200.
"The subject of our engagement is 'Transition', and we want it to be the actual voices of indigenous communities, in their own language – just families and individuals sharing stories," Professor Phipps shared.
She added, "It's not about the usual video or great documentary or a tightly scripted production but authentic sharing where all of us can learn lessons from an education perspective.
This includes families sharing their rural life experiences, casual conversations from previous beliefs to Christianity and bringing their kids up in the faith.
It doesn't matter if they aren't traditionalists or practice the old ways. How they coped with the hard work of 'berkebun' (farming) and educating their kids? Do they have any 'petua hidup' (good practices) that are inherently green, eco-friendly and sustainable compared to the costly, highly wasteful consumerism that has gripped many societies? What do they deem precious and should not 'pupus' (go extinct)? Then there is the kids' and grandkids’ generation. How do they perceive themselves?"
Professor Phipps says the project is co-produced with the local communities and fits well with other Sarawak and Malaysian initiatives highlighting indigenous life and practices.
Dr Balnaves from the School of Arts and Social Sciences believes that engaging people in indigenous peoples' science, performances, art, and stories has been unequivocally demonstrated to help the world live better. The ability to visualise and hear the history of places, people and events in extraordinary three-dimensional immersive exhibitions is now occurring worldwide.
The Muhibah project is in the prototype phase, with two visits to Sarawak this year. This will provide the basis for creating an ongoing living archive at Monash University Malaysia and continuous media and festival events showcasing indigenous lives and lessons.