KUCHING: The wisdom and tolerance of prominent Iban leader Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggong Jugah Barieng enabled Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) to remain the dominant political force in Sarawak to this day.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Jugah played a vital role in safeguarding and protecting the rights and interests of the people of Sarawak.
“Jugah’s integrity and wisdom as a community leader were recognised both domestically and abroad.
“On Jan 1, 1955, Jugah was appointed chairman of the Kapit District Council and subsequently, on Feb 8, 1955, appointed as Temenggong for the Kapit Division.
“In 1973, Jugah’s political career reached its peak when he was appointed as the first president of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).
“He took a bold and wise step by agreeing to merge Parti Pesaka and Parti Bumiputera,” he said.
He said in his speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the ‘Mengenang Negarawan Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggung Jugah Barieng Negarawan Terbilang’ programme held at the Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) here on Monday (Sept 9).
Abang Johari, who is also the current president of PBB, said the purpose of the merger of the two parties was undertaken to strengthen political unity among the bumiputera of Sarawak and to ensure political stability in the state.
“It also aimed to unite various indigenous ethnic groups under one political banner,” he said.
He added that throughout Jugah’s political involvement, the latter was known for his dedication to the welfare of his people and for ensuring that their culture and heritage were always preserved.
“He consistently encouraged the younger generation of Iban children to attend school and acquire new knowledge for their future.
“Indeed, Jugah, who was also called ‘Apai’ or father in the Iban language, became an important figure who fought for the independence of Sarawak and the formation of Malaysia.
“This great statesman laid the foundation and opened the path for Sarawak to become a successful state, not only in terms of development but also in the quality of its people,” he said.
Abang Johari thus said the programme theme ‘Negarawan Terbilang’ (distinguished statesman) is truly fitting to describe the sacrifices, contributions, and services of Jugah to the development of the nation and the state of Sarawak in particular.
