Nyipa Bato laid to rest in Belaga

Nyipa's grieving family members are seen during his funeral in Belaga.

KUCHING, Jan 11: The late Dato Sri Temenggong Nyipa Bato was laid to rest at his family cemetery at Uma Kahei, Belaga today.

The 82-year-old former cabinet minister and four-term state assemblyman passed away on Jan 2, at his residence here at Medan Iris Garden Square, due to organ failure.

A wake was held at his residence in Kuching on Jan 2 and 3.


His body was then flown to Kapit and a wake was held at Uma Kahei, Belaga for his relatives and friends to pay their last respects.

Nyipa’s remains were transported by a speed boat to Uma Kahei, Belaga.

Nyipa, a well-respected politician and community leader, was the first state assemblyman for Belaga constituency which was created in 1968.

He first contested in the 1969 state election and represented Belaga from 1970 to 1974 and from 1974 to 1979.

From left: Samalaju assemblyman Majang Renggi and Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong paying their last respects before the burial.
From left: Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon and Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang paying their last respects at the funeral.

Nyipa who is Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing’s father-in-law, sat as cabinet minister under two chief ministers, Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan and Dato Sri Penghulu Tawi Sli.

As a community leader, Nyipa was also the president of the Orang Ulu National Association (OUNA) for two terms, from 1975 to 1976 and from 1978 to 1979. — DayakDaily

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