POLITICIAN Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, keeps a busy schedule as Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development.
And also in serving his constituents as Layar assemblyman.
But he took time out from work to allow Sarawak Tribune to get a glimpse into his life as a father, outdoor enthusiast, and the values that shape him as a leader.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: Who is Datuk outside of official duties and what do you usually do?
Rentap: Most of my time is dedicated to serving the people. But when I do have some free time, I like to spend it with my family. We enjoy walking, hiking, cycling, and sometimes light sports. My child loves fishing, and it’s something I enjoy too, although I don’t always have time for it.
For hiking, we go anywhere within an hour’s drive from Kuching — Bau, Santubong, Matang. Recently, my child and I went to Fairy Cave. We spent three to four hours inside the cave. It was refreshing and eye-opening. We should explore more of Sarawak’s natural treasures.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: So, do you mostly dedicate your free time to family?
Rentap: Yes, especially now. Only two of my children are still at home. My eldest has graduated and is searching for a job, while another is sitting for SPM. So I make more effort to spend time with them. I have four children — one boy and three girls.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: What is your favourite food, Datuk?
Rentap: I like simple kampung-style food. Yesterday, my wife cooked sup terjun daun sabong.
It’s daun sabong soup — those from the Iban community would know this leaf. That’s one of my favourites. At home, I also enjoy cooking. My late grandmother taught me how to cook. I can make pansuh and other traditional dishes. Cooking is one of my stress relievers.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: What is a memory that you will never forget? Maybe from childhood or school days?
Rentap: During my school days, we didn’t have mobile phones or gadgets. So every day, we played football at school. We would even go early just to play. In the evenings, we played again, or we went fishing by the drains. That was part of our life back then. I feel that today’s children don’t really get to experience those kinds of memories.
We played marbles, all sorts of traditional games — not like now, where children play PUBG. Things have changed. Back in the days, those experiences helped build important soft skills. Without phones, we had to meet face-to-face, and that helped us communicate, interact, and connect more with others.
We connected genuinely. It was important because back then, we didn’t care about race or religion. A friend was simply a friend. No issues at all.
We really hope that spirit and those memories can be brought back. That kind of nostalgia is precious. But we also cannot deny that the world has changed, and we must change with it. Today, especially among young people, the focus has shifted more towards social media and digital platforms.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: What principles or values have guided you to become a successful elected representative?
Rentap: I believe the most important thing is sincerity. We must be sincere and genuinely want to help people — one person at a time, anyone we can. As our Premier often says, when you are sincere, everything else will fall into place. And I believe, first and foremost, there is God watching over us. We must always pray that whatever we do is for the good of everyone.
Another principle is that we should treat everyone equally and with humility. That is the Sarawak spirit — people here generally don’t have problems with one another. That’s why people love coming to Sarawak. They come here and feel the difference. It’s not the same in other places.
So I think our principle is to do the best with what we have. In life, opportunities don’t come often — sometimes only once. So we must do our very best, work sincerely, and help others succeed as well.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: Watching movies or karaoke?
Rentap: These days, Netflix is easier. But honestly, I rarely have time. If there is time, maybe.
I prefer spending time with my family — going out together. That’s why we enjoy hiking. When we hike, everyone joins in. No complaints — we just bring them along.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: What film genre do you prefer?
Rentap: I enjoy political and crime films. I like to see how they solve problems, handle political situations, and discuss issues.
SARAWAK TRIBUNE: Do you support any football team?
Rentap: Yes — Arsenal.
