By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 22: Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan (GPS-PBB) is appealing to the Sarawak government to support the preservation of key historical sites in his constituency as part of efforts to safeguard cultural heritage and unlock tourism potential in rural Sarawak.
Among the sites highlighted is a proposed landmark in honour of Balang Balai Nyabong, a 19th-century pioneer recognised by local communities as one of the earliest settlers in Katibas.
Lidam said his team is currently documenting Balang’s historical contributions, which have largely been overlooked in the official historical narrative.
“I feel deeply saddened that not much is written about him and his contributions. We hope to establish a statue in his honour, not only as a lasting tribute to his legacy but also as a historical landmark that can serve as a point of interest for visitors and tourists,” he said when debating TYT’s speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
He emphasised that preserving historical sites is essential not only for cultural and educational reasons but also for driving tourism-related economic activities in remote districts like Katibas.
Lidam also spoke of another significant historical site, the location of the first river ambush in the history of the Malaysian Armed Forces, which occurred in 1971 in Katibas.
The tragic incident saw seven soldiers killed and six others survive an attack while patrolling the river in two boats.
The operation was led by Second Lieutenant Anwar Basha Khan, who is still alive today.
“My team and I are working to preserve this site so that the bravery and sacrifices of our armed forces will be forever remembered in the story of our nation-building,” he said.
He called on the State government to allocate funding to support the preservation efforts for both the river ambush site and the proposed monument for Balang Balai Nyabong.
“We must not allow the legacy of our pioneers and heroes to fade. May the fighting spirit of ‘Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban’ (As long as I’m alive, I keep on fighting) continue to thrive, and may we all live and let live,” he said. — DayakDaily
