OUTSIDE of his political career, Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang unveils several undisclosed qualities and interests.
Among them, he showcases a remarkable talent for gardening and traditional folklore songs sung mainly among the Kayan-Kenyah tribes of Sarawak.
In an interview with New Sarawak Tribune, Liwan shared insights into his personal hobbies and pursuits.
New Sarawak Tribune: If you weren’t in politics, what would you be doing today?
Liwan: I would have pursued a successful career in gardening, as I have a deep passion for cultivating fruits. Currently, I’m nurturing over 100 durian trees, with several already bearing fruit, including the ‘D168’ and ‘Musang King’ varieties. My goal is to expand my orchard to approximately 400 trees. In Bakun, I have a farm by the lake. I am planting quite a number of petai and they are currently bearing fruit.
New Sarawak Tribune: How do you spend your leisure time?
Liwan: Apart from reading, I devote my free time to tending to my fruit orchard.
New Sarawak Tribune: You’re known for your skill in singing traditional folklore songs (parap). How did you master this art?
Liwan: Since childhood, I’ve been captivated by our cultural heritage, particularly the ‘parap’ sessions in our longhouse. I seize every opportunity to immerse myself in these traditions, gradually honing my skills with each session. I’m not afraid of making mistakes; instead, I embrace them as part of the learning process.
New Sarawak Tribune: You often appear well-dressed. How did you learn the importance of grooming?
Liwan: My grooming habits originated during my teaching career, where presenting oneself professionally was paramount. Additionally, the example set by the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) inspired me to maintain a polished appearance. Furthermore, my wife’s insistence on the importance of dressing appropriately for various engagements reinforces the significance of grooming in my life. My wife will say you are going to meet a lot of people so you must dress well.
