KUCHING: Linda Nacha, the eldest daughter, paid tribute to her father, a national hero, Corporal (Rtd) Etim Jam, in a heartfelt eulogy, saying her father was dedicated to his duty and displayed unwavering loyalty to his squad.
Speaking at his funeral service held at St Thomas’ Cathedral here yesterday (June 7), Linda shared the remarkable life journey of her father who rose from humble beginnings in the remote village of Lubok Antu to become an honourable policeman.
“My father, Etim, is the second child out of 10 children. Now, only three of his siblings survive.
“In his early days, he ventured far from his village to work in Brunei. It was during this time that he learned of an opportunity to join the police force in Marudi.
“There was an interview for a police constable, he went for it and got the job. However, my grandfather disagreed and initially prevented him from pursuing this path.
“Nevertheless, his determination led him to continue with his training,” she said while delivering the eulogy.
Linda then said due to the urgent need to assist Sarawak with communist threats, Etim’s training in the Peninsular was cut short, and he returned to his homeland.
“In 1963, Etim joined the police force and was first stationed at Temudok Camp. His career later took him to Miri in 1971, where he was also assigned to work in Sibu as part of an escort team for the Public Works Department (JKR).
“During a mission, his bravery in the face of a communist ambush earned him the prestigious Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) medal.”
She further spoke of her father’s deep passion for his work in the police force.
“My father was very dedicated to his work. As he said, ‘Rindu Bertembak’ (longing to counter enemies).
“He also has his work principles where he will do what he needs to do in line of his duty and he had unwavering loyalty to the group he was attached to.”
Beyond his professional life, Linda remembered his father as a gentle-hearted, humble, and loving family man.
“He is also soft-spoken and always brings our large family together. As the eldest male in the family, he will always gather nephews and nieces,” she said, while adding that his father married her late mother, Singgah Inggat, from Engkilili and raised four daughters namely, Linda, Mila, the late Julia, and Lily.
In early 2023, Linda said her father was diagnosed with lung cancer and due to his advanced age, he was unable to undergo treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy and his health began to deteriorate since last year.
“I remember my father’s strong features. The one thing that makes us really surprised is that when you look at him despite being small and thin, but somehow he was was strong and even at his advanced stage, he still can climb trees.
“So, the strong features that he has, I believe that is how he can sustain one year from this cancer. Therefore, our family is very grateful that he is given a strong physical body that he has,” she said.
Meanwhile, Etim’s youngest daughter, Lily when met after the burial ceremony of her father at the Heroes’ Grave recalled her fondest memory of her late father.
“When I was in Primary Three, at that time BMX bicycles were very popular then, so I told him that I would like one as well.
“Usually for police personnel, their salary would be given at the end of the month. He told me that he can buy the bicycle for me, but I need to wait until the end of the month and I told him that’s too long.
“So, he just kept quiet and the conversation just ended there, and I completely forgotten about him purchasing the bicycle.
“Then suddenly, one afternoon, after he finished his work, he said he was going to town, but he didn’t mention why.
“After a few hours, I saw him riding the new bicycle he brought from the town and rode to our house.
“When he reached home, he called me and said, ‘This is your new bicycle’,” she said, unable to hold back her tears.
Lily recalled that she was very surprised that her father bought her the new BMX bicycle.
“I was very happy and I was so grateful that even though at that time, we were tight on money and salary was not high, he managed to buy it for me.
“That, to me, was the best memory that I still remember. Then, after I furthered my studies and after I landed a job, I bought a motorcycle for him as repayment for the bicycle he bought me before.”
