The candlelight vigil for Bill in Miri.
MIRI: Family members, friends and members of various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) held a candlelight vigil to remember the one-year passing of Bill Kayong on Wednesday night.
Starting at 6pm, the ceremony was carried out simultaneously at several locations across the state.
In Miri, about 1,000 people comprising Bill’s family members, relatives and friends as well as members of NGOs such as Sarawak Dayak Association (Pedas), Terabai Menua (TM), Dayak 360 and many more took part in the candlelight vigil which was held near Tudan traffic light intersection, the location where Bill was shot dead in his vehicle on June 21 last year.
The coordinator of the programme in Miri, Napolean Lawik, who is also a member of Pedas central committee, said more than 300 Pedas members took part in the vigil to remember Bill who was also Pedas former secretary and the person who played a role in the setting up of the association.
“Apart from Pedas members and Bill’s family members, we also received support from various NGOs who also joined us to remember Bill and pray for his soul to rest in peace.
“For us, the fight for justice for Bill will continue until the individuals responsible for his murder are brought to justice,” said Napolean, who was representing Pedas president Captain Collin Imran who could not join the activity due to work commitment.
Meanwhile, in Bill’s hometown Betong, Bill’s siblings, relatives and friends as well as NGOs led by Dayak Think Tank Group (DTTG) Betong branch held a similar candlelight vigil at Dataran Tasik Medan.
DTTG Betong vice chairman George Kayong, who is Bill’s brother, also joined DTTG members from Betong, Saratok and Lubok Antu for the vigil.
“Like our family members and friends in other divisions, we are lighting candles from 6pm to 10pm to remember my brother who passed away one year ago.
“We pray that his soul can rest in peace, and we will always remember him as our beloved hero,” he said when contacted yesterday.
In Bintulu, chairman of DTTG for the area, Agat Sagai, led NGOs from around the area at the candlelight vigil held in front of Sarawak Council Monument.
According to Agat, apart from DTTG members, members of Pedas, TM as well as Sarakup Kuntau Dayak (SKD) all joined the vigil.
In Kuching, DTTG collaborated with Pedas to hold the candlelight vigil for Bill at Dataran Pahlawan.