By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 24: The Tun Jugah Foundation has conferred the prestigious “Tuai Adat” honour on former Saratok Member of Parliament and deputy federal minister Dato Sri Edmund Langgu Saga in recognition of his lifelong dedication to preserving the Iban language, adat and cultural heritage.
Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi paid tribute to Langgu in a social media post today, describing him as a statesman whose enduring legacy extends far beyond his political career through his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the identity, traditions and wisdom of the Dayak Iban community.
While acknowledging Langgu’s contributions as a former Saratok MP and deputy federal minister, Nanta said his greatest achievement lay in his efforts to document and preserve the cultural heritage of the Iban people for future generations.
“Through Langgu’s work with the Tun Jugah Foundation, invaluable aspects of Iban heritage have been preserved and strengthened, ensuring they continue to serve as a source of guidance and inspiration for the community,” he said.
Nanta also congratulated Langgu on receiving the “Tuai Adat” honour, which was presented by Tun Jugah Foundation chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Leonard Linggi Jugah.
“The recognition is particularly meaningful as it comes from an institution dedicated to protecting and promoting the rich heritage of the Iban people.
“Some people make history. Others preserve history. Dato Sri Edmund has done both,” he said.
Nanta thanked Langgu for his immense contributions to Sarawak, Malaysia and the Dayak Iban community, expressing hope that his legacy would continue to inspire generations to come.
The Tun Jugah Foundation is widely recognised for its efforts to preserve, promote and document the language, customs and cultural heritage of the Iban community in Sarawak.
Langgu’s involvement in public service and politics began at an early age. He was among the delegates who met the Cobbold Commission during its visit to Saratok in connection with the formation of Malaysia.
In 1963, he left the teaching profession and was elected as a councillor of the Saratok District Council and a member of the then Second Division Divisional Advisory Council. In the same year, he was indirectly elected as a Member of Parliament.
A prominent figure in national politics, Langgu served as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament in 1975. Following the entry of the Sarawak National Party (SNAP) into the government in 1976, he was appointed Federal Deputy Minister of Agriculture, a position he held until 1982.
He successfully retained the Saratok parliamentary seat in five consecutive elections, from Sarawak’s first federal election in 1970 until 1986. He also won the Krian state seat under the Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) banner in 1983 and served as its assemblyman until 1991.
Throughout his career, Langgu held numerous appointments in government-linked and public institutions, including as a director of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange, chairman of the Federal Pepper Marketing Board, chairman of the Land Transport Licensing Board, a member of the Public Accounts Committee, and a board member of Brooke Dockyard. — DayakDaily
