MUKAH: The late former Head of State Tun Abang Mohammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng had a way with words, which gave him a demeanor that endeared him to the people, especially to his Melanau community.
Sarawak Melanau Welfare Trust Board chairman Datuk Aidan Wing, for one, recalled how he was swept off his feet when Salahuddin called him, not by name, but ‘Iduk’ which is a Melanau term of endearment for someone younger.
And that was when Aida was the assemblyman for Lambir. He felt both honoured and cherished.
“Every time I met him, I always remember his approach was very gentle. He called me iduk that made me feel loved and cared for.
“My involvement in the Melanau association both in Kuching and Miri now, is all due to his advice, support and guidance, said Aidan.
Aidan added that he was also impressed by the way Salahuddin, who died at the age of 100 on Jan 28, communicated and his habit of never talking negatively nor using expletives in conversation.
“He was never one to speak bad words and spoke ever so softly even when he became Tuan Yang Terutama (TYT),” he said.
“Whenever I had a problem as the people’s representative, I met him to ask for his opinion. Indeed, his departure is a great loss for the Melanau community in Sarawak.
According to Aidan, Salahuddin’s personality was similar to the late Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce who had the same spirit and gentle personality.
They were both full of wisdom and advice, he said, referring to another Melanau phrase “cukup sisek”.
Aidan advised the young people of Sarawak, especially in the Melanau community, to emulate the leadership and personality of Salahuddin and to work hard to progress in the changing world.
“The most important is we have to strive for self-development, family, economy and future,” he said.
