Eight police reports have been lodged in the past three days by Iban against Miri district police chief ACP Gan Tina Kee for insulting their religious rite called 'miring' when Gan and 80 police personnel destroyed their 'piring' (sacred offerings) on Dec 24 last year.

The incident took place at a blockade site in Sungai Bekelit, Sibuti, about 60km from Miri, where Iban from the five longhouses were protesting against Tung Huat Pelita Niah Plantation Sdn Bhd for trespassing into their native customary rights (NCR) land.

Angered by Gan's behaviour, the Iban lodged a number of police reports, with the latest report lodged at the Selangau police station yesterday.

Five reports were lodged at the Miri police station on Monday and another two at the Niah police station. More police reports are expected to be lodged in the next few days.

The 'miring' ritual, which was performed at the blockade site, was to seek strength, assistance, guidance and protection from the Iban 'Petara' (gods) following their dispute with the oil palm company Tung Huat Pelita Niah Plantation.

'Action an insult to Iban custom'

According to Tuai Rumah (longhouse headman) Jambai anak Jali, Gan not only took upon himself to dismantle the blockade, but also destroyed their 'piring' or sacred offerings prepared by the Iban for their deities at the blockade site.

Jambai said it was not only wrong for Gan to destroy their 'piring', which is considered sacred among the Iban, but his action was considered insulting to the Iban custom.

"His action has made us Iban from five longhouses - Rumah Jeli, Rumah Rajit, Rumah Jambai, Rumah Edward Ekau and Rumah Duat - very angry as ACP Gan totally disregarded the Iban adat," he said.

Lawyer Abun Sui Anyit ( left ), who accompanied the Iban in lodging the police reports said: "It is a big taboo to disturb the 'piring' within 30 days from the day it is performed.

"Anyone who disturbs or destroys the ‘piring’ can be fined, according to the Iban adat," Abun Sui said.

He said the complainants, while demanding an investigation, also want Gan to be removed from Miri and his place be filled by a local who knows about local customs.

On Gan's threat to use the Sedition Act against anyone who tries to incite the natives against the police, Abun Sui said it was not a racial issue.

"The people are against his (Gan's) action in destroying, desecrating and smashing the 'piring' and the way he destroyed it. His actions were videotaped, which was posted in Facebook and social media, and went viral.

"Gan should be more diplomatic in dealing with a sensitive issue such as religious issues," he said, pointing out that the police officer should not threaten people with the Sedition Act.

The blame should be on him, Abun Sui said, adding that the Iban intended to take legal actions against Gan in the Native Court.

Meanwhile, Gan said the police would not compromise with people using their traditions as an excuse to commit wrongdoings.

In a statement, Gan warned politicians not to incite the sentiments of the native people against the police, who were just doing their job to maintain law and order.

"The police will not hesitate to use the Sedition Act to deal with anyone who continues to exploit the issue to disrupt the existing racial and religious harmony in the state," he said.