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.