By William Isau
SIBU, March 4: A traditional ceremony was held to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the death of Dato Penghulu Imban Medan, a people’s hero from Ulu Oya who was killed by communists in 1972, at Rumah Rose Nana at Sekuau Resettlement Scheme today.
Apart from families and friends, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang, Selangau MP Edwin Banta and Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang were among those who joined in the miring ceremony that took place at the late Imban’s grave.
The late Iban community leader was conferred a posthumous Panglima Setia Bintang Sarawak (PSBS) award, which carries the title ‘Dato’, by Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud during the latter’s 86th birthday celebration on Oct 8, 2022.
Imban was killed by the communists on Feb 25, 1972 when he was attacked at his longhouse in Rumah Balang Alau after reporting them (communists) to police in Sibu.
He did so as he came to know of the communists’ hideout in Ulu Pakoh where they evaded soldiers after a battle in Kanowit.
“The ceremony today is to remember and honour Imban who had been awarded a datoship,” Aaron briefly told reporters when met.
Meanwhile, Imban’s granddaughter Roseline Anthony Ajang once again expressed her appreciation and thanks to the Sarawak government for honouring her grandfather for his sacrifice with the datoship.
“We have planned this (ceremony) for a long time and we are thankful and grateful that at least my grandfather’s sacrifice for the people under his care was being recognised and remembered.
“For that, we are very proud and grateful to the government for awarding him the title of Dato that and furthermore, a school has also been named after him (SK Penghulu Imban). All of us feel proud and are very happy,” she said.
Concurring with Roseline, Gira added that the award demonstrated that the country recognise and appreciate former fighters who have supported the government to fight against the communists.— DayakDaily
