KUCHING: Eighty-one days after being appointed as the 20th Senate president, Senator Datuk Mutang Tagal breathed his last at 11.46am on Friday (May 10).
He passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur, having been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) since May 6.
Earlier, he was promptly brought back from his official visit to Azerbaijan after suffering a heart attack there.
Mutang, who was 70 years old, became a Member of Parliament at the age of 26.
It was a surprising turn of events for him at that time, even though he had harbored dreams of entering politics since university.
In an interview with the writer last February, he admitted that it came so quickly. However, it was a reality he had to accept on April 26, 1982.
“I had no money at that time. Therefore, I had to collaborate with Datuk Noor Tahir, who was the Lawas assemblyman, and Datuk James Wong Kim Min, who was the Limbang assemblyman.
“Noor Tahir was the Forestry Minister while James Wong was the president of the Sarawak National Party (SNAP). Limbang and Lawas are areas within my parliamentary constituency and they are very far from Kuching.”
He said he later collaborated with both assemblymen to frequently visit his Bukit Mas parliamentary constituency and both state constituencies. However, he pleaded with them to provide financial assistance.
“Only in this way could I serve the people, because we know that the responsibility for Limbang and Lawas, which is under my care, is very significant.
“In the 1980s, moving from one area to another was very challenging.
“Communication became a major obstacle. We had to walk if we were in areas without roads. For more remote areas, we had to use boats, such as in Sungai Mendamit.”
Mutang was born on Oct 5, 1954, in Buduk Nur, Ba’Kelalan, with his father being a pastor.
He received primary education at Long Semadoh and Ba’Kelalan primary schools before continuing his secondary education at Lawas and Limbang secondary schools.
He then pursued further studies at Tun Datu Tuanku Haji Bujang College, Miri, which housed many talented students at the time, before being selected to continue his studies in law at the University of Malaya.
Upon graduation, he began his legal practice by serving as a legal officer at Bank Bumiputera before joining the law firm of Wan Ullok, Chin and Jugah.
It was during his time at the firm that his name was proposed to replace the incumbent Bukit Mas parliamentarian, Datuk Rancha Umong, who had expressed his intention to retire.
Mutang’s name, along with two others, was then submitted to the Chief Minister, who was also the president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak (PBB) at the time, the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, for the final decision.
“My selection as a candidate was announced by Datuk Stephen Wan Ullok, and it was a surprise.
“Even more surprising was when I entered the candidate nomination arena on April 26, 1982, and there were no other candidates present. This meant that I won uncontested at such a young age.
“During the campaign period, I had been called to the Sarawak Bar.”
As a young and new MP, he felt immense pressure. He also had to set aside the joys of youth.
“I aged quickly because I associated with those who were 50 years old and above. However, it matured me, and I could feel how energetic I was at that time.”
Mutang then successfully navigated through that term. When nominated again in 1986, he garnered 9,450 votes, defeating independent candidate Mohd Bujang Mohd Yassin with a majority of 5,863 votes.
Mutang endeavoured to serve diligently in the challenging conditions of that remote area in Sarawak. However, his dedication did not shield him from criticism and slander.
In the subsequent election on Oct 21, 1990, he was replaced by a new face, Michael Lisa Kaya.
Despite being dropped, it did not mean Mutang turned away. He remained faithful and steadfast in supporting PBB and Barisan National (BN) parties that had previously endorsed him.
His sacrifices and loyalty paid off when his brother, Dr Judson Tagal, was later nominated as the Ba’Kelalan assemblyman in 1996, when the constituency was redrawn.
Dr Judson served for three terms and was appointed as a deputy minister before being involved in a helicopter crash at the foot of Mount Murud, Bario in 2004, which claimed his life.
During that time, Mutang said he was involved in business and only provided support from behind for his brother.
After Dr Judson’s death, Mutang’s name resurfaced every time there were state and parliamentary elections. However, he never lobbied for such positions.
Mutang’s name, however, resurfaced in 2021 when he became the founder and was appointed as the president of the Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OUCCI). This was followed by his appointment as the vice-president of the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
On Jan 12, 2017, Mutang was also appointed as the honorary consul of Romania in Sarawak.
However, the biggest surprise for the holder of a Master of Business Administration from Curtin University and husband to Datin Ho May Leng was when he was named as the new president of the Senate on April 19.
He said it didn’t happen without the trust of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and his deputy, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
“Also to the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. I feel very proud and honoured for the trust placed in me,” he told the writer.
He was informed about the nomination by Uggah before receiving a call from Anwar shortly afterward.
Becoming the first Dayak to hold that position, he acknowledged it as a significant responsibility.
“Firstly, because I returned to Parliament only after 34 years, and secondly, I inherited big shoes to fill.”
This statement is justified because the seat was previously occupied by prominent figures such as Wan Junaidi and Tan Sri Rais Yatim, who have been in the national Cabinet and are experts in the field of law.
A gentle yet firm Anak Lun Bawang, he leaves behind a wife and three children. Despite briefly leading the Senate, his absence is deeply felt, especially with his modest character. His loss is a great one for the country.
