KAPIT, June 22 ― Kapit is a very interesting and important place because it was where the idea of the formation of the Federation of Malaysia was mooted, said Deputy Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu.

He said the proposal was made at the “aum besai” (big conference) of 51 elected Iban chiefs (Penghulu) chaired by Iban paramount leader Tun Jugah Barieng at the historic Fort Sylvia on February 15, 1962 which was formally presented to the Cobbold Commission when its members visited Kapit on March 19, 1962.

Gerald thanked Tun Jugah and other past Dayak leaders who had sacrificed time and had the vision to form Malaysia.

He said the 13 points in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 were discussed and proposed during the big conference.

On the Sarawak Merdeka Convoy 2023 which arrived in Kapit on Tuesday, Gerald said he was very happy that the reception at Rumah Jarop, Nanga Sepadi, Katibas in Song was very good and done according to Iban tradition.

Yesterday, they were at Rumah Jawa Emang, Nanga Saging, Sungai Amang in Kapit district in conjunction with the longhouse’s ‘ngiling bidai’ (closing of Gawai) ceremony and today they will visit Rumah Labang Aji Teluk at Teluk Buing, Baleh.

Then, tomorrow (Friday, June 23) the Digital Exhibition will be held at Kapit Town Square and Kapit Kitchen at Kapit Civic Centre.

The next day (Saturday, June 24) the convoy will continue their journey to Julau in Sarikei Division before proceeding to Betong, Sri Aman, Serian, Samarahan and Padang Merdeka in Kuching (July 22).

“I hope everybody in Kapit and nearby Song will visit the Digital Exhibition where 14 booths will be set up by government departments offering online services,” he said, adding in Sibu the Digital Exhibition received overwhelming response with over 6,500 visitors.

“I feel that the overwhelming participation, response and spirit to celebrate Sarawak’s 60th independence is very high. Big bikers, owners of 4WD vehicles, government departments, private companies and even school children were involved.

“This is the importance of independence. When we are independent, we can make our own decision. We can develop Sarawak and no one can do better than us,” Gerald said.

“This is the important message that all Sarawakians should bring up. As Sarawakians, we are proud of what we have. Now Kapit is connected by road, I can come and go by road from Kuching any time, no problem,” he added.

He said the convoy started from Lawas on May 28 and yesterday was the 25th day of the convoy.

He said he took off a few days for the Gawai celebration but was now back with the convoy, adding he hoped to join as much as possible.

Yesterday morning, Gerald joined the convoy at Wisma Pelita, Bletih to Rumah Jawa where a programme was to be held.

Joining him were Kapit Resident Galong Luang, Deputy Resident Robert Liman, Bukit Mabong district officer Calvin Linggong and Jee Chin Fu from the Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Ministry. ― Borneo Post