Father of late Mutang accepts passing as God’s will
MIRI: Tagal Paran, 91, said he accepts the passing of his son, Senate President Datuk Mutang Tagal, with a ‘calm heart’.
More affectionately known as Pak Tagal, the elderly Lun Bawang said he was extremely saddened by the news of his son’s death, but regarded it as God’s will.
“His passing is deeply felt, especially because many remember him as a person who had worked really hard to help not only his community, but also those of various races.
“Even though we’re sad, this is God’s will because our lives belong to God; when God calls us, we cannot do anything,” he told reporters when met at the Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) Miri Airport Church yesterday.
He thanked everyone coming from near and far to pay their last respects to Mutang.
“I had just arrived from Ba Kelalan this morning. There were many obstacles to get here, but we’re happy to meet many friends today.”
Meanwhile, Lawas MP Dato Henry Sum Agong described Mutang as someone with extensive experience who had worked hand-in-hand with him in developing the constituency.
“Thanks to all his efforts, the road to Ba Kelalan is already there and is set to be upgraded to JKR (Public Works Department) standards soon, with the works currently being implemented.
“My message to the family members, as well as to myself: persevere, strengthen the faith and believe in God because only God decides everything,” he said.
Dewan Negara member Senator Abun Sui Anyit said although Mutang held the position of Senate President for only a short time, he had brought great impact upon all members of the Upper House.
“He was a very friendly person – there was no obstacle for us to approach him, and this was a very good reform that he brought into Dewan Negara in his short time as the president.
“He always told me to do the best for our community, and to show our best. He said as a native community of Sarawak, the Orang Ulu could also do the best if given the responsibility,” said Abun.
The casket carrying Mutang’s, who passed away Friday at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur, arrived here on a Royal Malaysian Air Force flight at 10.40am yesterday.
Receiving the casket were Mutang’s wife Datin Ho May Leng and their children.
Also present were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Gerawat Gala; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Baram MP Datuk Anyi Ngau; Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong; Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau; Deputy Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Liwan Lagang, and others.
Tagal and Mutang’s siblings arrived here by helicopter later due to weather conditions disrupting their plans to arrive earlier to receive the remains.