KUCHING: “Those who formed Malaysia are no longer with us today. But Malaysia still lives on to this day.”
These words were spoken by the son of prominent Iban leader Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggong Jugah Barieng, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Leonard Linggi Jugah during the ‘Mengenang Negarawan Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggung Jugah Barieng Negarawan Terbilang’ programme held at the Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee today (Sept 9).
In response to this, Tun Jugah’s grandson Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi asked after the great struggles of past leaders in building Malaysia what had been done to sustain this nation’s success.
“What will we do to ensure Malaysia continues to thrive? We all bear the responsibility, not only to maintain the unity and peace of this nation but also to drive Malaysia’s formation towards greater achievements, ensuring it benefits everyone regardless of race, background, religion, culture, ethnicity or geographical distance,” he said.
Nanta, who is also the Works Minister, then added as his ‘akik’ (grandfather) once said, “Let not Malaysia be like the sugarcane, where it is sweet in the beginning but bland in the end.”
Later, speaking to reporters, Nanta said Tun Jugah was one of the few who signed the Malaysia Agreement.
“From a historical perspective, he can truly be regarded as a key figure in Malaysia’s history. At that time, he represented the Dayak people of Borneo in Sarawak.
“Of course, when discussions were first held, all communities were asked to provide their views. As everyone may already know, it wasn’t easy to gain the support or agreement of all parties.
“Even within the Dayak community, because Sarawak is such a large state, not all Dayaks were fully on board with the concept of Malaysia at the beginning.
“But my grandfather, representing a significant community in the large Batang Rajang area, held the position of Temenggong, a community leader. So, his views were generally considered to reflect those of the Dayak people as a whole,” he said.
Nanta added his grandfather could be regarded as a figure of unity because without a shared understanding and strong agreement, resolution and establishment, Malaysia could not be formed.
“However, at the initial stage, we must acknowledge that not everyone fully agreed with the idea of Malaysia.
“That’s the reality. But as more people came to support the concept, Malaysia was formed. The important thing is that, once something has been created, how do we move forward?
“It’s been almost 60 years now since Malaysia was formed in 1963. The question is, what is the situation today? Have we achieved the best unity possible, or not? If not, why? If we have, then we can be proud of it,” he said.
He added the task of uniting the country remained relevant and necessary.
“That is why the government and the current Prime Minister have continued the Ministry of Unity. There was a time when it wasn’t considered essential, and the Ministry of Unity did not exist. It was only a unit under the Prime Minister’s Department.
“But now, the Ministry of Unity has been established. And in my opinion, this is timely. Why?
“Because the work of this Ministry is very important, especially now with the presence of social media and other influences. We are affected by what happens outside our country.
“Therefore, things are more complicated now. The work is not easier, but more challenging,” he said.
