Jugah leaves an enduring legacy for Malaysia

KUCHING: “Anang Malaysia sebaka tebu, manis di pohon, tawal di hujung.” (Let Malaysia not be like a sugarcane, sweet in the beginning and bland towards the end).

These famous words from the late Tun Datuk Patinggi Temenggong Jugah Barieng continue to serve as a reminder, particularly to Sarawakians and their leaders, reminding them to steadfastly uphold Sarawak’s role within Malaysia.

Though Jugah is widely recognised as a prominent Iban leader in Sarawak, many may not be fully familiar with his background, achievements, and legacy.

Here is a glimpse of Jugah’s life, based on records from the National Archives of Malaysia.

Tun Jugah’s Family Genealogy

Jugah was born in 1903 in Kapit, Sarawak to Barieng Gawing and Menti Melintang. He had six siblings.

His great grandfather, Jimbun, was a magnificent Iban warrior and revered by the natives of Sarawak. Meanwhile, his maternal grandfather, Melintang, was a poet with an admirable voice.

In the 1930s, Jugah tied the knot with Toh Puan Tiong Anding. This couple was blessed with six children namely Siah, Sani, Munah, Linggi, Anchang and Erong.

Tun Jugah and his wife, Toh Puan Tiong at their house at Nanga Gat.

Tun Jugah (left) and his younger brother, Tedong.

Tun Jugah’s Leadership

On Nov 16, 1924, a historic ceremony called the ‘Perjanjian Damai’ (Peacemaking Agreement) between the Iban and Orang Ulu (Kayan, Kenyah dan Kajang) was held at Kapit Fort (now known as Fort Sylvia), witnessed by Rajah Charles Vyner Brooke. Jugah was one of the local leaders involved in the ceremony.

During the Japanese occupation in Sarawak, Jugah sought military help from Australia and was sent to the interior of Sarawak to expel the Japanese army.

After the British took over Sarawak’s administration, Jugah became one of the most trusted local leaders.

On April 24, 1952, he was appointed to the State Legislative Council in recognition of his efforts against the Japanese and his influence among the Iban community.

He was also chosen by the Governor to represent the natives and other ethnic groups in Sarawak during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in London.

On 1 Jan 1955, Jugah was appointed as the chairman of the Kapit Municipal Council, and following the death of Temenggong Koh, he became the Temenggong for Kapit Division.

Reconciliation between the Iban and Orang Ulu (Kayan, Kenyah dan Kajang) in Kapit.

Tun Jugah speaking at the Council Negri on February 27, 1959 during the visit of Duke of Edinburgh.

HIs political career reached its peak when he was appointed the president of Parti Pesaka Anak Sarawak (Pesaka).

He also became chairman of the Sarawak Alliance Party, ensuring the party’s success in the 1963 election.

Tun Jugah and the formation of Malaysia

Jugah played a key role in realising the dream of forming Malaysia. On Feb 15, 1962, he managed to gather 51 lban leaders and Penghulu in Kapit and reached an agreement to join Malaya, North Borneo (now known as Sabah), and Singapore in the formation of the Malaysia.

He was also involved in the Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee (MSCC) and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) to discuss and prepare a report on the conditions and rights of the people of Sarawak before the formation of Malaysia.

Jugah had worked tirelessly to assure Sarawakians that joining Malaysia would bring positive changes to the state and its people.

In addition to his involvement in the MSCC and IGC, he was also one of Sarawak representatives who signed the Malaysia Agreement in London on July 9, 1963 after a consensus was reached.

Other representatives from Sarawak were Philip Ernest Housden (P. E. H) Pike, Abang Haji Mustapha, Ling Beng Siew and also Abang Haji Openg.

Sarawak representatives arrived at Kuching Airport after returning from signing the historical agreement to form Malaysia on July 12 1963. As seen (from left) Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Tun Jugah, Abang Mustapa and Ling Beng Siew.

Members of the Sarawak representatives at the Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee Meeting on July 9, 1963.

Minister of Sarawak Affairs

After Malaysia was formed, Jugah was entrusted with responsibility as the Minister of Sarawak Affairs from 1963 to 1974.

He was also one of the committee members of the State Operation Committee (SOC) while the country was combating the communist threat.

In 1966, Jugah participated in the Malaysia-Indonesia Peace Negotiation in Bangkok. He also joined Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak’s visit to the People’s Republic of China on May 28, 1974.

Tun Jugah’s Last Journey

Jugah passed away at Sarawak General Hospital on July 18, 1981 at the age of 78 after suffering health issues.

His body was flown to Kapit by a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Nuri helicopter and laid to rest at the Methodist Cemetery.

His passing marked the end of a great and remarkable leader’s struggle for Malaysia and Sarawak.