KUCHING: Orang Ulu, a unique name which is well-known among European tourists, is translated as ‘remote people’ in the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
The name, according to researcher Dr Elli Luhat gives a unique impression which piques the curiosity of European tourists and makes them want to know more about the culture and customs of the ethnic group.
Elli, a Kayan from Ulu Batang Rajang who resides in Kuching, thinks that there is no need to change the name ‘Orang Ulu’.
A change to ‘Lun Daya’ which was proposed recently, could demolish this unique image among foreigners and it may cause confusion.
Based on his own experience while performing sape music in London not long ago, Elli said Europeans do know a bit about the Orang Ulu.
“I’m not against the name change, but I think Orang Ulu is good enough and well-known. I’m proud to be called an Orang Ulu,” he said recently.
The Federation of Orang Ulu Association Malaysia (Forum) had prepared to change Orang Ulu to Lun Daya on Jan 21.
To support the suggestion, Forum opined that the new name portrayed effort, strength and ability of the community to face the wave of modernisation.
Wikipedia says that Orang Ulu is a label for 27 ethnic groups in Sarawak. Among them are Kayan, Kenyah and Kelabit.
It is not the name of a race and does not exist in the Federal Constitution.
Elli added that the proposed name change could be because some people felt that ‘Orang Ulu’ gave an image of being primitive and unpopular.
“If they only want to change the name to be ‘glamorous’, why not choose ‘Orang Putih’?” said a disappointed Elli.
On a more serious note, he stressed that it is no easy feat to build an image using a new name like ‘Lun Daya’.
“Discussion (before changing name) must include possible side-effects that may appear,” he said.
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