Rentap is not what your think, activist Peter John Jaban warns Solehan Yaacob

KUCHING, March 13 2026: Founder of Dayak Rights Action Force ( DRAF ) Peter John Jaban has warned academic Professor Solehan Yaacob not to make unfounded and unsubstantiated claims that the Iban legendary warrior Rentap was Malay and a descendant of legendary Malaccan warrior Hang Tuah. 

 Stop it, Peter John Jaban warns academic Solehan Yaacon 

He said such historical narratives has misled the public and risks bringing embarrassment to many Malaysians and Malaysia’s institutions of higher learning.

“We in Sarawak are deeply concerned by recent statements claiming that Rentap is part of a

Malay narrative,” he said in a statement.

“Such claims are not only factually wrong but also show a blatant disregard for the heritage and identity of the Iban people of Sarawak,” Peter said.

He added Solehan is only a specialist in Arabic language and linguistics not a historian,

anthropologist, or expert on Borneo’s indigenous cultures.

“Repeatedly presenting unverified historical claims as fact misleads the public, undermines scholarly

standards, and disrespects the people whose history is being distorted,” he warned.

He also reminded Solehan that manipulating Rentap’s legacy for personal or ideological agendas is unacceptableand an insult.

“The Iban community and all Sarawakians deserve that their history be respected and preserved, not

appropriated or rewritten by those outside the culture.

“Universities exist to uphold intellectual integrity, rigorous research, and evidence-based scholarship,” Peter said, reminding that extraordinary claims made without credible historical or scientific support undermine public confidence in the academic standards of our institutions.

He noted particularly troubling are attempts to reinterpret figures such as Rentap or to advance sweeping civilisational claims without solid evidence.

“Rentap remains a symbol of indigenous resistance and pride among the Iban community,” he said, adding that distorting or appropriating such history through speculative narratives is irresponsible and deeply disrespectful.

He said Iban people are highly protective of their history and cultural heritage, adding that historical figures like Rentap represent not only chapters of resistance but also the dignity and identity of the community.

“When such history is misrepresented or carelessly interpreted, strong reactions are inevitable. These sensitivities must be respected, especially by those in positions of academic authority.

“This is not a question of academic debate. Genuine scholarship thrives on debate and new ideas, but it must always be grounded in credible research, sound methodology, and peer-reviewed evidence.

“Promoting fantastical or exaggerated claims in the public domain risks turning serious academic inquiry into ridicule,” Peter said.

He added such conduct tarnishes the reputation of Malaysia’s universities and the many hardworking scholars committed to rigorous research and teaching. Our institutions must never become platforms for pseudoscience or unfounded historical claims.

“We therefore call upon the management of International Islamic University Malaysia to take firm and responsible action,” he said, adding that the university must ensure its staff adhere to professional standards and refrain from making irresponsible public statements that damage institutional credibility.

“If necessary, the university should review whether continued institutional support or funding is appropriate for individuals who propagate claims that undermine academic integrity.

Malaysia’s academic reputation must be protected.

“Our universities should be known for excellence, credible scholarship, and intellectual seriousness not for sensational claims that invite public ridicule. We urge all involved to exercise responsibility, respect the discipline of history, and immediately halt the spread of unfounded narratives that do more harm than good to the nation’s academic standing,” he said.

He warned Solehan to stop spewing this pathetic nonsense and dragging Malaysia's reputation through the “mud with your clownish historical fanfiction.”

He also urged the administration of International Islamic University Malaysia to seriously review the conduct of Solehah Yaacob.

He said given the extraordinary and unsubstantiated nature of the claims being circulated, the university should consider advising her to undergo a professional mental health evaluation before continuing to make public statements that risk damaging the credibility of the institution and the reputation of Malaysia’s academic community.

Take us in for full participation in decisions on cascading dams, indigenous communities and NGOs tell the state govt

MIRI, March 13, 2026 — As the Sarawak government moves forward with requests for proposals (RFPs) for a new series of cascading hydropower dams across five major river systems, indigenous leaders and civil society organisations (NGOs) are calling for full participation in decisions that could reshape Sarawak’s rivers and communities for generations.

The indigenous community protesting at Long Kevok, Baram interior - Photo by SAVE Rivers Sarawak 

The proposed cascading dam programme envisions a chain of hydropower dams along the Tutoh, Belaga, Danum, Balui, and Gaat river systems.

Civil society groups warn that decisions made during the feasibility study stage will determine whether indigenous lands, rivers, and livelihoods are protected — or placed at risk.

The announcement comes amid ongoing concerns about the legacy of large hydropower projects in Sarawak, where past dams have displaced thousands of Indigenous residents and flooded vast areas of forest.

“Cascading dams can still be destructive, with big adverse impacts,” said Jok Jau Evong, Sahabat Alam Malaysia Sarawak Coordinator.

“The disruption to these vital river systems should not be underestimated. Too often communities are sidelined during early planning, only to see their rivers and forests sacrificed later.”

Sarawak already generates more electricity than it currently consumes from existing megadams, raising questions about the need for further hydropower expansion.

Despite this, many Indigenous communities say they have received little information about the scope of the proposed projects or their potential impacts.

“For Indigenous peoples in Sarawak, rivers are not simply resources — they are our homes, our food systems, our transportation routes, and the foundation of our cultures,” said Celine Lim, Managing Director of SAVE Rivers.

 “Any study or planning process that affects these rivers must meaningfully include the people who have lived with and protected them for centuries.”

Civil society groups say the feasibility study stage is where the most important decisions about dam construction are made.

They warn that if Indigenous communities are excluded from this early phase, projects can move forward long before affected villages have the opportunity to raise concerns or exercise their rights.

They emphasize that Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) must be upheld throughout all stages of the project.

Native Customary Rights (NCR) must be respected, transparent information must be shared, and independent social and environmental impact assessments must be conducted.

“Feasibility studies are where the most important decisions begin,” Lim added.

“If indigenous peoples are not meaningfully included at this stage, the process risks repeating the mistakes of past dam projects where communities were sidelined and their concerns ignored.”

Indigenous leaders and civil society organisations are calling on state authorities, federal agencies, financiers, and project proponents to engage openly and collaboratively with affected communities to ensure that development pathways in Sarawak respect human rights, safeguard river systems, and support long-term sustainability.

“These rivers are our lifelines. Decisions about them cannot be made without us,” said Ukau Lupung, resident of Batu Bungan who lives near the UNESCO Gunung Mulu National Park, an area potentially impacted by the proposed new dams.

Apart from SAVE Rivers, the other NGOs are the Borneo Project, KERUAN Organisation, Sahabat Alam Malaysia and Bruno Manser Fond