By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 24: Sarawak has lost a prominent Orang Ulu leader and a treasured figure of its history with the passing of independence fighter and rural development stalwart, Dato Sri Bo’ Tajang Laing, at the age of 100.
The late statesman, who served as a former Sarawak minister and Belaga assemblyman, reportedly passed away on Thursday night (April 23) at the Sarawak Heart Centre in Kuching.
News of his passing was shared by his son, Lohong Tajang, via Facebook, prompting an outpouring of grief from the community.
A pioneer in education and community development, Dato Sri Bo’ Tajang was notably the first Kayan teacher from Belaga after graduating from Batu Lintang Teacher’s Training College in 1948.He began his teaching career at SK Abun Matu, Belaga, before establishing SK Long Linau in 1953.
Beyond education, he played a vital role in transforming Belaga’s agricultural landscape, introducing cash crops such as rubber, cocoa, and oil palm. Even during his postings in Long Linau and later Sungai Asap following the Bakun Hydroelectric Project relocation, he remained deeply committed to improving the community’s socio-economic well-being.
His contributions extended well beyond rural development. In 1962, he served as a member of the Cobbold Commission, ensuring Orang Ulu representation during a pivotal moment leading to the formation of Malaysia, reflecting his enduring commitment to public service and indigenous advocacy.
He went on to serve in various key leadership roles, including as a member of the Kapit District Council and the State Legislative Assembly in 1965. He held ministerial posts from 1963 to 1970, including Minister of State Affairs (1963–1966), and later Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Forestry until 1970. He also served as the Belaga assemblyman from 1979 to 1983.
Born in 1926, he was not only a witness to Sarawak’s transformation but also an active architect of its early development, consistently safeguarding the interests of rural and indigenous communities.
In recognition of his lifelong service, he was conferred the title of Dato Sri (PNBS) and honoured as a Founder of Independence Fighters (PPK) in 2013.
His passing marks a profound loss for Sarawak, particularly the Orang Ulu and rural communities he devoted his life to uplifting. His legacy in education, agriculture, governance, and community empowerment remains deeply embedded in the state’s development history.
Bo’ Tajang will be remembered as more than a leader. He was a teacher, a reformer, a statesman, and a steadfast voice for the interior, whose contributions continue to shape Sarawak’s journey forward. — DayakDaily
