MALAYSIA’s first indigenous Sarawakian Senator to hold the esteemed position of Dewan Negara president Datuk Mutang Tagal has passed away today at the age of 69. His demise follows a period of illness that began during a work visit to Azerbaijan, after which he was promptly returned to Malaysia this week for medical treatment.
The distinguished senator is survived by his wife Datin Ho Mei Leng and their three children.
The former Bukit Mas MP hailed from Ba’kelalan carved a historic path as the first indigenous Sarawakian to ascend to the presidency of the Dewan Negara.
Assuming the role of the 20th Senate president in February of this year, Mutang’s appointment followed the resignation of Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who was subsequently appointed as the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak.
Before embarking on his political journey, Mutang distinguished himself as a lawyer and entrepreneur. His political career commenced in 1982 when he contested and won the Bukit Mas federal seat under the Barisan Nasional (BN) banner.
Over the years, he solidified his position by defending his seat for a second term in the 1986 general election, defeating independent candidate Mohd Bujang Mohd Yassin by a majority of 5,863 votes.
Originating from the ethnic Lun Bawang community – a subgroup of the indigenous Dayak population in Sarawak – Mutang was a prominent figure in both political and business circles.
Armed with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Curtin University, he assumed various leadership roles including the presidency of the Orang Ulu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OUCCI).
Moreover, he served as the legal advisor to the Persatuan Lun Bawang Sarawak and held the position of vice-president of the Sarawak Business Federation (SBF). – May 10, 2024
Main photo credit: NST
