By Lian Cheng
SERIAn, May 16: Despite busy schedule, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has paid last respects to late Bidayuh politician and community leader Datuk Amar Dominic Andrew Dago Randan at the latter’s residence at Kampung Pichin.
Abang Johari spent about 45 minutes with Dago’s family before rushing back to Kuching to attend another official function.
He expressed his condolences and lamented for the loss of a Bidayuh leader who had contributed to Sarawak.
Dago who had facilitated the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, was a State councillor at the same time as Abang Johari’s late father Tun Abang Openg Abang Sapiee when Sarawak was still under the British rule.
When both Abang Johari met, Dago would always reminiscing the incident when late Abang Openg visited Kampung Pichin and the stage looked like it was about to collapse.
Stressing that Dago was a Member of Parliament following the signing of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, Abang Johari said Dago continued to be a prominent leader when Parti Pesaka and Parti Bumiputera merged into one entity of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu or PBB.
“What is important is that he also contributed a lot towards the unity of the Bidayuh community. With the unity of the Bidayuh community, a new generation of Bidayuh leaders like Dato Sri Jacob Ridu and other leaders after the Datuk Dago era was born.
“This means that his contribution is great in the development of our State, especially the Bidayuh community itself,” said Abang Johari when met by the media at the Dago’s residence.
Prominent Bidayuh leader Dago passed away at 91 years old at 4am at his village home at Kampung Pichin, Serian on May 15. — DayakDaily
