KUCHING: Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi will be taking time out to share anecdotes about his illustrious grandfather Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggong Jugah anak Barieng today.
“To the whole nation, he is Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggong Jugah anak Barieng, who was instrumental in bringing the state of Sarawak into the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, on 16 September, 1963,” he said in a Facebook post on Saturday.
“But to me, he was my beloved ‘Akik’ (grandfather), whose jovial demeanour was often a usual scenery among family members, despite carrying the biggest responsibilities for the nation on his shoulders.
“At that point of time, how fundamental a role he played for the nation, was something I couldn’t really grasp,” he said.
He recalled how the Paramount Chief of the Iban people who was affectionately called ‘Apai’ (father), would take him by boat on the mighty Batang Rajang, back to their longhouse, from Kapit to Balleh.
“As a small child, a stop at a small bay along the river for a family picnic lunch, was always something that I looked forward to. It was a simple family affair that Akik loved too.
“As I grew older, the other side of my Akik as the representative of the people, an icon from Sarawak and the formation of Malaysia, gradually dawned on me.
“I began to understand the vision of our forefathers, including Akik, in creating this multi-racial nation we call home,” he pointed out.
He said to this day his grandfather’s wise words are still very much relevant, something that he holds dear to his heart, namely, ‘anang Malaysia sebaka tebu, manis di pun, tabar di ujung.’ (Malaysia should not be like the sugar cane, sweet at the head but get less and less sweet towards the end).
“Meet me and the rest of Malaysia’s founding fathers’ family members, where we will be sharing candid stories, hopes and aspirations of our fathers and grandfathers in this special event ‘People Library Merdeka Special’ at Taman Tugu,” he said.
The Merdeka Special, Stories From Our Founding Fathers will be held at the Taman Tugu Nursery in Kuala Lumpur from 9am to 12pm today (Sept 4).
