KUCHING: The Sarawak government has announced its plan to honour the state’s heroes who have dedicated their lives to serving the state and country by naming significant places after them, as a gesture of gratitude for their sacrifices.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed the government’s commitment to acknowledging the contributions and sacrifices made by the fighters in Sarawak who served the country.
“Following in the footsteps of the late Datuk Kanang Langkau, we have already named a place after him, and we have similarly honoured our other heroes,” he stated.
Abang Johari further emphasized that the state government will carefully consider the situation and designate a place in tribute to the late Etin.
“During the period when Sarawak was grappling with the communist insurgency, the late Etin made significant contributions to our nation. This recognition bestowed upon him is a testament to his dedication to safeguarding our country’s sovereignty,” he informed the reporters following his visit to the late Corporal (Ret) Etin Jam at Kuching Civic Centre yesterday (June 6).
Abang Johari stressed that the indomitable spirit exemplified by the late Etin throughout his service should serve as an inspiration to the younger generation in their pursuit to protect the nation’s sovereignty and uphold peace.
“On behalf of the State government, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Etin, who played a significant role during Sarawak’s struggle against the communist insurgency,” he added.
Accompanying Abang Johari during the visit were Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Seri John Sikie, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, and Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
Earlier, Sarawak governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi paid their respects to the late Etin. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas accompanied them.
The late Corporal Etin (Ret) Jam was a recipient of the prestigious Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa Award.
Etin passed away on Tuesday at Miri Hospital after battling lung cancer. He is survived by three daughters and nine grandchildren.
