‘Our tebu is still sweet’: Tun Jugah’s son reflects on Sarawak, Malaysia at 63
Tan Sri Linggi Tun Jugah reflects on the 63rd anniversary of Malaysia's formation, recalling his father's pivotal role in the historic 1963 agreement. The piece highlights the cultural and political significance of Sarawak's integration into the federation.
Why it matters
Understanding the historical foundations of Malaysia is essential for contextualizing current regional politics and national identity in Southeast Asia.
KUCHING, Sept 15 — While history was being made in Kuching on September 16, 1963, a young Leonard Linggi Tun Jugah was several hundred kilometres away in his hometown Nanga Gaat, Kapit.
He was then on a fishing and hunting expedition in the upper reaches of the Baleh River, yet he made sure he did not miss the historic moment, following the proclamation of Malaysia through radio broadcasts and newspaper reports, and hearing the views of those around him.
“At that time, I was just finishing Form 6. I listened to the radio and read the newspapers on the historic occasion,” Tan Sri Linggi, now 86, told Bernama in an interview in conjunction with Malaysia Day, which falls on September 16.
His father, the late Tun Jugah Barieng, however, was in Kuching that day.
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