By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, April 3: The passing of former Sarawak Immigration director Datu Robert Lian Balangalibun is a loss for Sarawak but his legacy remains, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari said the late Robert had served Sarawak and the federal government with excellence.
“While he was the Sarawak Immigration director, he helped to improve Sarawak’s Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes, especially in the border areas.
“After he retired, he was also a member of the Public Service Commission until he had a medical condition,” he told reporters after paying his last respects to the late Robert at the latter’s residence in Lorong Stapok Selatan 2a, here today.
According to Abang Johari, the late Robert was among the first graduates from the Bario area, which in turn, became an inspiration to the young generation in the area to further their studies at the tertiary level.
“I feel that the younger generation in the public service are also taking inspiration from what the late Robert has implemented,” he said.
Robert passed away due to illness yesterday (April 2) at 67-years-old.
He will be buried at Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) Cemetery in Siol Kandis on April 5, after the funeral service at BEM Kuching Evangelical Church in Iris Garden.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang were among those present during the visit. — DayakDaily
