Ugak (third right), Nicholas (fifth right) and others in high spirits during the flagging-off of the Sarawak Merdeka convoy.
KAPIT (June 22): Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong took time off from his busy schedule to flag off the Sarawak Merdeka convoy from Wisma Pelita here to Rumah Labang Aji, Teluk Buing in Baleh, Bukit Mabong this morning.
Joining him were Baleh assemblyman Nicholas Kudi Jantai, Kapit Resident Galong Luang, Deputy Kapit Resident Robert Liman, Kapit district officer Cerisologo Sabut and Bukit Mabong district officer Calvin Linggong.
In his brief remarks, Ugak hoped all Sarawakians would appreciate the contributions of past leaders and those who fought for the country’s independence.
“Independence doesn’t come easy. When we celebrate our independence, we must remember the role played by our past leaders, our Iban trackers and Sarawak Rangers.
“All of them had laid the foundation for the country to develop and for us to live in peace and harmony,” he said.
Ugak, who is Hulu Rajang MP, also recalled the gathering of 51 Iban penghulu at Fort Sylvia here in 1962 to discuss the formation of Malaysia and later present their resolutions to the Cobbold Commission.
“In this regard, Kapit had played a significant role in the formation of Malaysia,” he added.