KUCHING: For followers of Sarawak politics, the name Datuk Seri Bo’ Tajang Laing remains one that is fondly remembered. He was known as a resilient political figure, whose long-standing rivalry with Datuk Seri Nyipa Bato became part of local political lore in their hometown of Belaga.
Their political contest spanned more than 27 years, crossing several state elections, before drawing to a close after the historic 1987 election triggered by the Ming Court affair. Notably, both leaders had served on opposing sides of the political divide at different points in their careers.
Tajang, Sarawak’s first Orang Ulu minister, passed away at 10.50 pm on Thursday (April 23). He had turned 100 on February 14.
He breathed his last at the Sarawak General Hospital Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan due to heart complications. His passing was confirmed by his son, Pieng Tajang, and grandson, Senator Pele Peter Tinggom.
Born in Uma Nyaving, Long Linau, Belaga, Tajang was a key figure in the early years of Sarawak’s political development. He was the first Orang Ulu from the Kayan community to become a teacher after graduating from Batu Lintang Teachers’ College in 1948.
At the time, he became something of an icon, often asked to pose in traditional Orang Ulu attire for photographs, including a well-known image of him using a household telephone.
He began his teaching career at Sekolah Abun Matu in Belaga, an experience that later inspired him to establish Sekolah Long Linau in his hometown in 1953.
Recognised for his dedication, Tajang was soon seen as a future leader and was appointed a member of the Kapit District Council, working alongside prominent leader, Tun Temenggong Jugah Barieng. He later joined Parti Pesaka under Jugah’s leadership.
In 1965, Tajang was appointed to the Sarawak Cabinet following a reshuffle by then Chief Minister, Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan. At the age of 39, he entered the Cabinet alongside Penghulu Francis Umpau, representing PESAKA after two BARJASA leaders were dropped amid a crisis of confidence.
Despite subsequent political changes, including the fall of Ningkan and the appointment of Penghulu Tawi Sli as Chief Minister, Tajang remained in the Cabinet until 1970. His portfolios included Minister of State Affairs and later Agriculture and Forestry.
During Sarawak’s first state election in 1969-1970, Tajang contested the Belaga seat but lost to Nyipa Kilah @ Nyipa Bato of SUPP by a narrow majority of 84 votes.
Undeterred, he contested again in 1974 but was defeated once more. His breakthrough came in 1979 when he ran as an Independent candidate and successfully won the seat.
He later returned to his original party, now known as Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), and retained the seat in 1983 with a 639-vote majority.
In 1987, amid the Ming Court political crisis, Tajang left PBB with several colleagues to form Parti Rakyat Malaysia Sarawak (PERMAS). In that same election, he faced Nyipa once again but was defeated, marking the end of his political career.
Although no longer active in politics, Tajang remained committed to advancing education in rural areas. He encouraged his children and grandchildren to pursue higher education, with some going on to become journalists and senior editors in local newspapers.
His wife, Datin Sri Devong Anyie, passed away in April last year, a loss that deeply affected him. Nevertheless, he remained in good spirits during his 100th birthday celebration in February.
“Figures such as Datuk Seri Tajang Laing should be remembered as pioneers who brought the voices of rural and interior communities to the highest levels of state administration,” said Senator Pele Peter Tinggom.
His remains will lie in state at his residence in Kuching until Saturday before being brought back to Uma Nyaving in Sungai Asap for traditional rites as a “maren” prior to burial.
