http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/18/nation/18618106&sec=nation
Saturday August 18, 2007
Decorated soldier now a squatter
By STEPHEN THEN
MIRI: He was a decorated soldier and policeman. In the 34 years he served the nation, Ngalinuh Bala saved lives and survived bullet wounds.
But Bala, 66, a Kelabit native, is a far cry from who he was before.
Semi-paralysed after suffering a stroke, he has been living in a squatter area without piped water and electricity in Taman City.
“What I hope for is a piece of land of my own; is it too much to ask? I have spent my life savings of RM75,000 to build this house on this plot of vacant government land.
“I have no title to this land. I have to use rainwater to cook and drink. I have to use my own generator for electricity.
“I am not asking for recognition or financial reward. All I want is a proper place to live in,” Bala said slowly and in a soft tone when interviewed at his squatter house earlier this week.
Bala was a soldier in the British Army in then Malaya and later in the Malaysian Field Force.
He received six awards for bravery from the British, Brunei Sultanate and Malaysian and state governments.
In 1972, Bala received the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa, the nation’s highest award for a soldier, from the King.
He holds the awards, letters of commendations and medals close to his heart but hopes he will get his 50th Merdeka wish – good health and a place to call his home.
On Thursday, the Rurum Kelabit Sarawak and Kelab Sukan Highlanders gave him RM2,000 for his daily needs.
“We consider him a community hero. We hope the Government will help him.
“Some people who achieved little in sports have got more than this hero,” said Sarawak Kelabit Association chairman Dick Bala.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Idris Jala’s dad flies high
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/4/nation/18498509&sec=nation
Saturday August 4, 2007
Idris Jala’s dad flies high
By STEPHEN THEN
MIRI: Datuk Idris Jala may be the talk among corporate circles for his turning around of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), but the Sarawakian had to take a backseat yesterday.
Not that the MAS managing director minded. It was his 75-year-old father who was being honoured by the Sarawak Government for his outstanding role as a community leader.
Henry Jala Tamalai was awarded the post “Pemanca” (equivalent to that of paramount leader), the highest state honour for the minority 7,000 Kelabit community.
Standing before Miri Resident Ose Murang and other local community leaders here, Henry was only the second in the community to be granted the honour.
The gritty highlander from Bario was the first Kelabit teacher to win the National Tokoh Guru award.
“I am very grateful to the government. I hope to use this post to improve the welfare and livelihood of our small community.
“Most of the Kelabits live in isolated areas,” said Henry, who looked fit despite his age.
Tamalai can be equally proud of Idris and his three other children, who grew up in the Bario Highlands of interior Miri, as they are all high achievers.
Ba’kelalan assemblyman Nelson Balang Rining, who attended the brief ceremony, said he was confident that Henry would play a significant role in his new capacity.
Saturday August 4, 2007
Idris Jala’s dad flies high
By STEPHEN THEN
MIRI: Datuk Idris Jala may be the talk among corporate circles for his turning around of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), but the Sarawakian had to take a backseat yesterday.
Not that the MAS managing director minded. It was his 75-year-old father who was being honoured by the Sarawak Government for his outstanding role as a community leader.
Henry Jala Tamalai was awarded the post “Pemanca” (equivalent to that of paramount leader), the highest state honour for the minority 7,000 Kelabit community.
Standing before Miri Resident Ose Murang and other local community leaders here, Henry was only the second in the community to be granted the honour.
The gritty highlander from Bario was the first Kelabit teacher to win the National Tokoh Guru award.
“I am very grateful to the government. I hope to use this post to improve the welfare and livelihood of our small community.
“Most of the Kelabits live in isolated areas,” said Henry, who looked fit despite his age.
Tamalai can be equally proud of Idris and his three other children, who grew up in the Bario Highlands of interior Miri, as they are all high achievers.
Ba’kelalan assemblyman Nelson Balang Rining, who attended the brief ceremony, said he was confident that Henry would play a significant role in his new capacity.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)