KUCHING: Sarawak, particularly the Orang Ulu community, mourns the passing of one of its most respected and pioneering women leaders, Datin Seri Devong Anyie, who passed away peacefully this morning (April 12).
She was widely known for her lifelong dedication to community welfare, particularly in empowering Orang Ulu women in Belaga and beyond.
Devong was part of Sarawak’s first post-independence cabinet, standing beside her husband, Datuk Seri Tajang Laing, who was the first Orang Ulu Minister.
From being a teacher’s wife to navigating the demands of political life in Kuching, she continuously adapted and thrived, driven by a clear mission to serve her people.
Her daughter, Lohong Tajang, described her as a woman of strength and deep care, both in the family and in the community.
“She was actually our ‘Maren Uma’ (village head) of Uma Nyaving, Asap, for a long time before I took over,” Lohong said.
“She had a very strong character. She could control and take care of her longhouse community, and she did it with passion – always looking after their welfare and well-being.”
She broke many barriers and set up many things because she always had the welfare of her people in her heart.
Her grandnephew, Senator Pele Peter Tinggom, shared a touching tribute to the woman who helped shape his life.
“My grandma is a loving grandma. She cared for everyone, no matter which side of the family you came from,” he said.
He added that her deep involvement with the community left a lasting impression on him.
“She was always in the longhouses, always with the people. The input I got during that time made me realise that my grandfather could be in politics for so long because of her,” he said.
“Her role as a wife contributed so much, perhaps more than people know.”
Among her many initiatives was the establishment of Peng Doh, a grassroots organisation focused on uplifting Orang Ulu women in Belaga.
Through Peng Doh, she championed education and self-reliance, giving women access to learning opportunities and inspiring them to be competitive in a world that had, until then, felt far removed from their rural communities.
Devong was also a longstanding member of SABATI, where she worked on institutional initiatives to benefit women and children across Sarawak.
Whether through state platforms or personal outreach, she made it her mission to touch lives and foster growth in rural communities.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who continue to carry her values forward.
