FOR Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, life as an elected representative has never changed who he is at heart – a humble man from the interior who still finds joy in fishing trips, simple home-cooked meals, and sentimental songs during long drives.
The Murum assemblyman believes politics is not about status or privilege but about carrying the responsibility of serving the people and improving the lives of communities in one of Sarawak’s most challenging rural constituencies.
In this interview with Sarawak Tribune, he shares how growing up in the interior shaped his patience, values and outlook on life.
Q: What kind of person are you outside of politics?
I am actually a very ordinary person. Even though I now serve as a representative of the people, I have never seen myself as someone special because, to me, this role is about service and responsibility.
Being an assemblyman has not changed who I am. I still live simply and carry the same values I had before entering politics. People sometimes imagine politicians as very different outside of work, but for me, what matters most is whether I can genuinely help people and fulfil the trust that has been entrusted to me.
Q: When you have rare free time away from meetings and responsibilities, how do you usually spend it?
My favourite hobby has always been fishing. It is something very close to my life because I grew up in the interior where rivers are part of our daily life. Even when I was younger and working, I would always stop to fish whenever I passed by a river or saw a pond. Sometimes there was already fishing equipment in the car because I enjoyed it that much.
Today, time is far more limited because the responsibilities are greater, but the passion is still there. I believe fishing also teaches patience and appreciation for simplicity.
Q: Are you someone who acts spontaneously, or do you prefer planning ahead?
I strongly believe in planning ahead. Before I even decided to become a representative of the people, I spent a lot of time thinking carefully and asking myself whether I was truly prepared for the responsibility.
I still keep a brown notebook where I record ideas, issues and matters that need attention in the constituency. Whenever I think about development projects, I prefer to organise everything carefully and focus on long-term planning.
Q: What kind of food do you enjoy the most?
I am honestly not a picky eater. I enjoy simple meals.
As long as there is soup or fish, I am already happy. I also enjoy fresh and natural vegetables. Whenever I travel around the constituency to visit villages, I often stop along the way to buy ingredients or vegetables to cook once we reach our destination.
Q: Outside of politics and work, what kind of music do you enjoy listening to?
I enjoy sentimental songs very much.
When travelling with my son, we usually listen to sentimental music or relaxing sape instrumental songs from our community. It helps create a calm atmosphere, especially during long journeys.
