SERIAN: The late Datuk Amar Dominic Andrew Dago Randan, a pioneering Bidayuh leader, was remembered for his trailblazing achievements and for inspiring his community to contribute meaningfully to society, said political analyst, Datuk Peter Minos.
Minos, who visited Dago’s home in Kampung Pichin, Serian, today, described the late statesman as “an outstanding man, one above many in a difficult and trying time of the 1960s”.
“I heard of the late Datuk Amar Dago way back in 1963 when I was a Form One student at SMK Bau,” Minos said in a statement.
“He was already a respected figure then, known for his active role in the formation of Malaysia.”
Minos said Dago was actively involved in the formation of Malaysia as a member of the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC).
“Some said, and I did hear, that he was one of the signatories of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 between Malaya, Sarawak, and Sabah (then North Borneo).
“We can say he was one of the creators of Malaysia,” he said.
Minos recounted Dago’s many historic achievements, including being the first Bidayuh elected as a Member of Parliament, the first Bidayuh Chairman of the Public Service Commission, a former president of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA), and Vice-President of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).
“He was involved in so many things, which most of us have forgotten.
“As a Bidayuh, I am very proud of the late Datuk Amar Dago. He gave us inspiration to be active in communal and societal affairs,” said Minos.
He noted that life in the 1960s was extremely challenging, especially in rural Sarawak.
“Communication was poor, income was scarce, yet Dago made it to the top and served the nation. That was truly an incredible and admirable feat,” he said.
Minos described Dago’s home in Kampung Pichin as a museum of a great man, with photographs dating back to the early 1960s showcasing his involvement in politics, public service, and meetings with dignitaries.