BY GABRIEL LIHAN
KUCHING: The late Datuk Mutang Tagal, remembered for his loyalty and Christian faith, leaves behind a profound legacy that resonates deeply within the Sarawakian community, especially among the Orang Ulu.
Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau fondly reminisces about Mutang’s unwavering loyalty, both to his Christian beliefs and to the political parties he served.
Despite facing challenges, Senate president Mutang remained steadfast, earning respect for his resilience and dedication to his community.
“I have known Mutang for a long time, since before I became an assemblyman.
“He was loyal. Faithful in his religious beliefs as a Christian, he was involved in church activities both in Miri and elsewhere.
“This is the quality that I see in Mutang. He was a veteran in politics, I sometimes take the time to listen to his stories and to get advice. Although it was brief, it was accurate and concise.”
Dennis added that Mutang loved the Orang Ulu community very much.
“When we formed the Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce Industry (OUCCI), he was the one we appointed as pro tem president or chairman, and after that he was appointed as the first president of OUCCI – a body that looks at business activities among the Orang Ulu community.
“He did his job so well that he gave up this position when he was appointed as Senate president.
“Personally for me, his passing is a great loss for me and certainly for the Orang Ulu community, Sarawak and our country.”
Meanwhile, Ba’Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian described Mutang’s passing as a ‘loss greatly felt’ within the Lun Bawang community.
Baru said the news of Mutang’s passing on Friday (May 10) came as a shock to everyone in Sarawak.
“Not only the Lun Bawang community but the Dayak community in Sarawak were proud that one of their own had been appointed as Senate president in February this year, and it is indeed sad that he only served for a few months before his untimely demise.
“I knew him well, being a fellow Lun Bawang, lawyer and politician. Being a close-knitted community, such a loss is greatly felt within our Lun Bawang community.”
Baru expressed sadness and extended his heartfelt condolences on behalf of his family and all the constituents of Ba’Kelalan to Mutang’s family on their bereavement.
“May his soul rest in peace, and may his family be comforted by the loving hands of God during this difficult time, with full confidence and hope as believers, that we will meet again in a much better place as promised.”
Quoting 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 of the Bible, Baru shared: “But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.”
Also expressing his sadness, Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang said Mutang’s passing was very sad news for Malaysians, particularly the Orang Ulu community.
“His appointment as president of the Senate was a pride to the Orang Ulu community. His passing is a great loss to us.
“Mutang was a humble and kind person, ever willing to render help to those who needed his service. God loves him more.”
Liwan extended his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Mutang’s family.
“We pray that God’s grace and guidance be with them throughout this difficult and trying time. May his soul rest in peace.”
