Court Hearing on Aug. 16th 2011 in Pictures by Numpang Suntai

My father, Suntai anak Bichu who claims to be over 100 years old, at least according to his Identity Card, never miss a single court hearing.  If they purged folks who are over hundred years from the electoral roll he would not be able to vote.  He said, "I doubt very if I am still alive for the next election, five years from now.  I voted for opposition all my life and never see my candidates ever win, after Daniel Tajem. But I voted with my conscience," he told me.

Some of the plantiffs.

Inside the chartered bus on their way to the Court House, across Sarawak River

Ungal Sanyam anak Daun et al, one of the plantiffs.

Three of the Sebangan Seven, TR Neli anak Nipa (Bajong Atas), TR Phillip anak Bakak (Tungkah), TR Sadon anak Ason (Ensika), with one of the plantiffs, TR Apat anak Hamba (Tungkah Dayak)

Yang Berhomat Baru Bian, one of the counsels for plantiffs.

Infront of the Court House

A visit from YB Baru Bian

My father infront of the Court House

Chartered bus to ferry Sebangan folks from SADIA to the Court House, across river 

Waiting patiently for court to be in session

Scopping rice from "upis" from outer layer of palm flowers, the way Iban used to carry their rice to work in the farm.

Unggal Ibrahim and his siblings always there to support my brother.

Duka the driver ferrying folks from Sebangan to Kuching

Making themselves comfortable, sitting down Iban style.

My father helping himself for a plate of rice.  He is so proud of wearing the Navy cap, USS Princton, that his naval officer grand-daughter gave him as a sovenier. 

The Court House was packed to capacity every day of the hearing.

It was a chance also to meet with friends

Helen and SN Voon sharing a plate on Court House lawn

Sanyam, one of the plantiffs with plate of rice

Taking it easy while waiting for court session to begin

Kampong ladies, you can take them out of the kampong but you cannot take their kampong, their land, their forests out of them.  May justice prevails.

When there is not enough chair, you simply sit down on the floor and make yourself comfortable, Iban style

The lucky ones who can find seats.

Supporters

The brought their own lunch to the court house but come they must to hear the court proceedings.  This is also an historical moment for many Ibans, fighting in court against the richest and the most powerful people in Sarawak. 

My father, rain or shine, is ever present to support his son and Sebangan relatives.