FOR many Sarawakians, Datuk Len Talif Salleh is a familiar face in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) – often seen debating policies, discussing development plans and speaking on matters affecting the people.
But away from the formal setting of the august House, the senior politician has a much quieter side.
The Kuala Rajang assemblyman still enjoys sports, prefers history books to novels, likes travelling along Sarawak’s coastal roads and believes some of life’s best moments are the simple ones.
Sarawak Tribune (ST): What do you usually do during your free time?
Len: I still enjoy sports. When I was younger, I played almost everything – football, rugby, badminton, tennis and athletics. Nowadays, golf is my main sport. I’ve been playing for nearly 30 years, although not as actively as before.
ST: Have you tried pickleball yet?
Len: Not yet. For me, the game seems a bit too slow, but I won’t dismiss it because I enjoy sports in general. As you get older, you have to choose activities that suit your body and physical condition. You adapt over time.
ST: How do you usually spend time with your family these days?
Len: My children are all grown up now and I have three grandchildren. Sometimes we travel around Sarawak together, such as driving to my constituency. We stop at places along the way, eat fruits by the roadside or simply go for walks.
ST: You enjoy travelling around Sarawak?
Len: Yes, because I’ve seen how much Sarawak has changed over the years. I’ve been travelling these roads since the 1970s. Back then, travelling was difficult. Now, roads, bridges and infrastructure have opened up many areas.
ST: You also spoke passionately about history. Why is it important to you?
Len: Everyone must learn history because there is always a pattern in it. If we don’t learn from history, we are bound to repeat mistakes.
ST: What kind of books do you enjoy reading?
Len: I don’t really read novels very much. I prefer history books, technical reports, environmental and wildlife materials, as well as geopolitics. I read extensively because reading is a source of knowledge.
ST: During long DUN sittings, what are the essentials you usually bring into the chamber?
Len: Of course, reports and documents related to issues affecting the people. I also read a lot about geopolitics and global developments because what happens around the world can affect us economically and politically.
ST: Finally, what advice would you give to the younger generation today?
Len: Read. Just read. Read novels, politics, economics, technical papers, anything. Reading is still very important because it expands your thinking and understanding of the world.
