Datu Buckland Bangik honoured at ‘Journey of Gratitude Night’ dinner

KUCHING (Dec 23): Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datu Buckland Bangik, whose service ends on Dec 31, was honoured at a ‘Journey of Gratitude Night’ dinner last night.

The Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), in a report, said the event was held at a leading hotel here and officiated by Acting State Secretary Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel.

According to Ukas, Buckland is expected to hand over his duties soon to the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Sarawak, Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua.

In his speech, Buckland expressed gratitude to the Sarawak government, particularly Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, for the opportunity to serve 37 years in the Sarawak Civil Service.

He also thanked Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who chairs the State Disaster Management Committee where Buckland serves as deputy chairman, as well as State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, for the opportunity to work together as part of the Sarawak Civil Service One Team.

Buckland further acknowledged the support and cooperation of his fellow Deputy State Secretaries, Muhammad Abdullah (Economic Planning and Development) and Datu Hii Chang Kee (Operations), during his tenure.

He conveyed his appreciation to the departments under his purview, including the Administration Unit, Immigration and Labour Management Unit (Ilmu), Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), Sarawak Council for Customs and Traditions (Mais), Sarawak Native Court, and the Sarawak Security and Enforcement Unit (UKPS).

“I could not have worked alone. Only through cooperation are we able to carry out and complete the responsibilities entrusted to us,” he said.

In his remarks, Muhammad Abdullah said the legacy and work values of Buckland will continue to serve as a guiding principle and source of inspiration for the Sarawak Civil Service.

He noted that Buckland was widely recognised throughout his career as a leader of integrity and principle who consistently placed the collective interest above all else.

“Recently, he was conferred the Senior Management Exemplary Officer Award, and I would like to extend my congratulations to Datu Buckland,” he said.

Reflecting on their working relationship, Muhammad Abdullah described Buckland as an ‘elder brother’ who provided guidance and mentorship in carrying out daily responsibilities.

He said Buckland often reminded officers to carry out their duties with honesty, humility and firmness, a principle he stressed should be emulated by all Sarawak civil servants.

“In my view, it is rare to find someone who carries himself with such modesty yet leaves a deep impact in dealings with colleagues,” he said.

Among those present were Sarawak Native Court chief registrar Datu Jonathan Lugoh, Administration Unit director Rusmaliza Mat Darus, Ilmu director Richard Lon, Mais secretary Mackos Sibong and UKPS director Abdul Wahab Rahim.