KUCHING: Former Katibas assemblyman, the late Datuk Seri Ambrose Blikau Enturan, made a significant impact on Sarawak’s political landscape.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg paid him this tribute after paying his last respects to Blikau at his Tabuan Dusun residence here on Sunday (Sept 10).
“He (Blikau) was with us particularly in PBB through thick and thin. When we had a crisis, he stayed together with other Iban leaders in PBB and defended PBB; defending the way we should govern the country in a multiracial (manner) and I think he contributed a lot.
“He was PBB secretary-general and also during that time, he tried to get all parties in the then Barisan Nasional (BN) in one spirit and to have particularly our then Chief Minister (Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud) and our group, to develop the country particularly the rural areas,” he said.
Abang Johari who is PBB president also said that Song experienced development during Blikau’s tenure of service.
“He did a lot to Katibas in Song and he served until the last election (2021 Sarawak Election). He felt that he was not that healthy so he gave way for young leader, Lidam Assan, as our candidate in the last election,” he said.
Abang Johari also credited Blikau’s contribution to Hornbill Skyways and the Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas).
“He did a lot for Saberkas. I was then president of Saberkas and we worked very well as a team.
“So, we really lost a friend, a colleague and a leader. May he rest in peace,” said Abang Johari, expressing sadness over his passing.
Meanwhile, also paying their last respects were the Premier’s wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and wife, Datin Amar Doreen Mayang; former Sarawak minister and former Kapit MP Tan Sri Leonard Linggi Jugah; and Chief Political Secretary Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.
Blikau, 70, passed away on Sept 9. He succumbed to a lung infection at 8.05am at the Normah Medical Specialist Centre here.
He is survived by his wife Datin Sri Marie Therese Mathias, two sons, one daughter, and eight grandchildren. The funeral service will be held at St Joseph’s Cathedral at 10am on Sept 11, followed by burial at Nirvana Memorial Park in Bau.
