KUCHING, June 26: The Sarawak government will issue titles for the land of late Sarawak’s hero Sub Inspector (B) Ngalinuh Bala at Kampung Lusut Reserve and all other land owners.
This is the promise made by Sarawak Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Dato Gerawat Gala.
“The government is very much aware of Ngalinuh’s desire to have the title to his house in Kpg. Lusut.
“I am pleased to inform that the Land and Survey confirmed that Ngalinuh’s house is within the Kpg Lusut Reserve which has already been gazetted in 2016 and that the title to his house will be issued together with the titles to the other houses in Kpg. Lusut.
“I will personally see to it that the land title to his house will be issued and given to his family,” said Gerawat when attending the State Funeral of Ngalinuh held at Miri today. He was representing Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and the Sarawak government in paying respect to the late national hero.
Gerawat who is also Mulu assemblyman said in appreciation and recognition of Ngalinuh’s gallantry and exception service and sacrifice for the country, the Sarawak government has honoured him with a state funeral.
“This is an honour accorded to the country’s top leaders.”
Gerawat said the government will also make arrangement for a memorial in Ngalinuh’s honour to be erected in the Heroes Memorial Park in Kuching where our other National Heroes from Sarawak have their final resting place.
A special ceremony will be arranged for this in Kuching and members of his family will be invited.
Ngalinuh was conferred the country’s highest gallantry award Darjah Kebesaran Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) by the Yang Dipertuan Agong in recognition of his crucial role back in 1972 when he showed exceptional courage and bravery in fighting against communist guerrillas in Sibu in the course of defending the country.
“The nation owes him and others in the same line of duty the present peace, security and sovereignty that we enjoy now.
“We are indeed grateful for their selfless service and patriotism in defending the sovereignty of our nation.”
He stressed that the passing of Ngalinuh who was known to be one of the very few heroes Malaysia has, is indeed a great loss to the state and country.
“Ngalinuh is one of only 30 recipients of the S.P. awards in the whole of Malaysia over the last 55 years.
“He was one of the last 2 Sarawakian S.P. recipients. The only surviving Sarawakian S.P. recipient is non other than his battle comrade who fought alongside Ngalinuh in the same battle in 1972, Encik Enti Ak. Bijam who is here to pay his respect to his dear friend and comrade.”
Gerawat also related the astonishing story of how Ngalinuh, along with his comrades were called to undertake a mission guarding shipments of explosive to a quarry site in Jalan Ulu Oya, Sibu where they were attacked by the communist guerrillas in a gun battle. Although out numbered and severely wounded from the enemy’s gun fire, Ngalinuh and his comrades defeated the enemies.
“This represents the most remarkable aspect of Ngalinuh’s generation’s heroism, patriotism and the life threatening risk they faced in building a country that is worth defending.”
To Gerawat, Ngalinuh may be gone but his life and service will never be forgotten.
“His courage and heroism is a clear testimony to all that the cost of freedom is always high and Ngalinuh is one man who had not surrendered or submitted to his enemies in fighting for and defending our State and country.
“Ngalinuh will always be remembered as a hero and a legend for the Kelabits, the Orang Ulus, the Dayaks and Sarawakians.
“He is truly an outstanding son of Sarawak whom we are all proud of,” said Gerawat.— DayakDaily
