By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 18: The late Datuk Amar Dominic Dago Randan has left behind not only a legacy of leadership, but also an example of how strength need not shout, and how true vision can be carried forward with gentleness and resolve.
In a statement, former Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Dato Sri Robert Jacob Ridu expressed sadness of Dago’s passing, who he described as a community elder, statesman, and quiet pillar of strength who played an essential role in the formation of Malaysia and the political journey of his people.
He said although Dago was not often in the spotlight, he was a man of steady conviction as he knew what he stood for, and he conveyed his values with clarity, quiet dignity, and uncommon wisdom.
“I had the privilege of being introduced to him at a dinner hosted by John Hepburn, the then Sarawak Financial Secretary, in KL in 1963, just as they were about to wrap up the agreement on the Federation, and I was on my way to the United Kingdom to pursue my studies.
“Though the setting was informal, it was immediately clear that he carried the weight of history with humility and grace.
“His presence was calm yet deeply grounded, and his insights, shared without fanfare, reflected his upbringing and sense of duty of service and thoughtful engagement with the challenges and hopes of his community.
“He was a young man, not quite thirty, an Independent Member of Council Negri representing Serian, and I was 19 years old. We were excited. I had a tremendous sense of pride that in Dominic Dagok anak Randan, we had a Bidayuh flag bearer. When I came back from the UK, I immediately joined the flag bearer in Party Bumiputra,” he said.
He added that in Dago’s own way, he contributed immensely to shaping a path forward for the Bidayuh community during a critical moment in the nation’s history.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, his relatives and the kampong community, and all who knew and admired him. May he rest in peace, and may his contributions continue to inspire future generations.”
Dago passed away at 91 years old at 4am at his village home at Kampung Pichin, Serian, on May 15.
The wake is being held at his home at Kampung Pichin with today being the final day, followed by the funeral, which will be held tomorrow (May 19). — DayakDaily
