Mutang leaves indelible mark in short tenure

KUCHING: The recent passing of Senate president Datuk Mutang Tagal has left a profound void not only in Sarawak but also across the nation.

His short but impactful tenure as the 20th President of the Dewan Negara was marked by historical significance, being the first Senate president from the Lun Bawang ethnic group, hailing from Lawas.

After dedicating over three decades to parliamentary service, his ascent to the upper house was met with a sense of responsibility and determination to enact meaningful change, driven by a vision to transform the Senate beyond being a mere ‘rubber stamp.’

In his own words, he acknowledged the difference between his previous role as a Member of Parliament and his new position as the Senate president.

“I received notification of my appointment from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim through a phone conversation. My immediate reaction was one of astonishment and gratitude – after over three decades, I am being called back to Parliament,” he said during an interview following his appointment.

“Before this appointment, I served as a Member of Parliament for Bukit Mas since 1982 for two terms. Back then, I was just an honourable member actively participating in legislative discussions, motions presented in the Dewan Rakyat.

“But this time, I became the President of the Dewan Negara; as the speaker in the upper house, not the lower house. I thought – this role is different. I’m not debating, I’m becoming a referee or a chairman.”

During his tenure as Senate president, he remained steadfast in continuing the transformation initiated by his predecessor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, now Sarawak’s Head of State.

One notable initiative was the establishment of the Senate Committee, focusing on critical areas such as legal ethics, social concerns, and welfare, to enhance the Senate’s operations and elevating the quality of debates.

He also sought to grant parliament greater autonomy in managing its crucial affairs by advocating for the reinstatement of the Parliamentary Service Act, which was nullified in 1992.

“We aim to continue the transformation and renewal of Parliament, building upon the steps taken by Wan Junaidi. The crucial aspect now is to elevate the quality of debates in the Senate,” he said.

In his reflections on parliamentary responsibilities, Mutang emphasised the importance of putting national interests and the welfare of the people above party considerations.

He urged the senators to maintain a delicate balance between representing their constituencies and upholding the greater good of the nation during deliberations on bills or motions.

“Some senators have constituencies to be answerable to, they must find a balance between party interests and national welfare when discussing bills or motions.

“When they are in the Senate, they must think about what is best for the country, for the people, first and foremost. Party considerations come second,” he said.

Mutang Tagal, 69, passed away at 11:46am on Friday (May 10) at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur, after receiving treatment upon returning from Azerbaijan on May 6.

He is survived by his wife Datin Ho May Leng and three children.