Sarawak's Assistant Minister II of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Francis Harden told a gathering of Iban community leaders that it is 'awkward and absurd' for longhouse chiefs who oppose the government to receive allowances or a salary.

"Village chiefs and community leaders must remember that it is the state government that pays their allowances and salaries," he said in a speech to Sri Aman Iban Community Leaders Association, as reported by the Borneo Post.