From rural mountain village to top Dewan Negara post

KUCHING: The Lun Bawang, an Orang Ulu ethnic community under the broad Dayak group, are peace-loving people in the interiors of Sarawak.

They largely grow rice, rear poultry and mind their own business.

Education is difficult, with few schools in the interior and many having to go far from their homes to study. There are only a few hundred who actually become graduates.

One of them is Datuk Mutang Tagal, a law and also business graduate who became an MP and is now the Dewan Negara president.

And his ascent brings great pride and honour to Sarawak’s Dayak community.

“It is an epic journey of a rural boy from a far-flung Ba’kelalan mountain village to the high office of Dewan Negara president in Kuala Lumpur,” says Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) secretary-general Libat Langub, adding that Mutang’s appointment is historic as he is the first Dayak to hold the post,

“On behalf of DCCI, I would like to congratulate him on his appointment,” he said.

Libat said Mutang, a lawyer by training, fits the job well and is qualified to carry out the duties of a Speaker.

He said Mutang’s mild demeanour and wide knowledge of politics, business and socioeconomic matters would contribute towards sustaining and enhancing the quality of proceedings in the Senate.

“I know in his heart he loves and cares about this country and wants to do what is right. Hopefully, he will fulfil his oath of office well,” he added.

Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OUCCI) secretary-general Osart Jallong congratulated Mutang, the chamber’s president, on his appointment.

He hoped that Mutang could continue to lead OUCCI although he was now the Senate president, as his continued leadership would enable the chamber to bring Orang Ulu entrepreneurs to greater heights.

According to Osart, Mutang inspired OUCCI members to “do business unusual” by disrupting the status quo and embracing a new mindset for a better future.

“Mutang emanates a positive vibe, has a warm personality and shares his knowledge freely,” he added.