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Borneo Post
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
‘A tiger at home, a frog in public': Women still underrepresented in leadership, says political analyst
Jayum stresses that women constitute about half the voting population in most constituencies, making their support pivotal to any election outcome. KUCHING (July 20): Women's contributions to families, communities, and politics remain undervalued in leadership and governance structures, particularly within the Dayak community, said socio-political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Jawan. Despite playing crucial roles in various spheres of life, women continue to face limited representation in national and state-level decision-making, he told thesundaypost . 'While women form nearly half of Malaysia's population and electorate, their representation in national and state-level governance continues to lag significantly behind men,' said Jayum, a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and Adjunct Professor at the Institute of Borneo Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas). He cited data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), noting that as of early 2024, Malaysia's estimated citizen population stood at around 31 million – 53 per cent male and 47 per cent female, excluding roughly three million foreigners. 'Women are essential in family life and society at large, yet their value is often not reflected in decision-making processes or political leadership. 'This contradicts the frequently-quoted proverb: 'the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world',' he added. Jayum stressed that women constitute about half the voting population in most constituencies, making their support pivotal to any election outcome. 'Any political candidate who wins an election must acknowledge that women voters were equally responsible for their victory,' he said. He likened the gap between women's influence in the home and their limited public visibility to a Dayak saying: 'Di rumah baka remaong, di tanah baka raong' (a tiger at home, a frog in public). According to Jayum, entrenched cultural norms and patriarchal values continue to marginalise women from leadership roles, despite their vital contributions. 'While some communities have acknowledged women's roles in politics and governance since the 1960s, others still lag behind,' he said. He acknowledged that major parties such as Umno and MCA had previously promoted women to senior positions, naming figures like Tun Fatimah Hashim, Tan Sri Aishah Ghani, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, and Tan Sri Dr Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. 'Tun Fatimah, for instance, made history as the first Malay woman minister and was part of the only husband-wife duo ever appointed to the Malaysian Cabinet,' he said. Rafidah Aziz, widely dubbed Malaysia's 'Iron Lady', was praised for her strong leadership style, likened to Britain's Margaret Thatcher. Umno, Jayum added, continues to elevate women to ministerial positions, such as current Information Chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. MCA, he noted, also appointed Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen as a full minister. However, he pointed out that no Indian women from MIC have reached such positions. 'DAP has had two women federal ministers to date -Theresa Kok and Hannah Yeoh – while PKR currently has two women ministers in the Madani Cabinet: Fahdlina Sidek and Zaleha Mustafa. 'GPS, only having Nancy Shukri of PBB holding a full ministerial position,' he said. Overall, the Madani Cabinet comprises five female ministers from four parties – DAP (1), Umno (1), PKR (2), and PBB (1). Other coalition partners — PDP, PRS, Amanah, and GRS — have no female ministers. At the Sarawak state level, PBB is the sole GPS component with a woman in the Cabinet – Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development. Of the 82 state assembly members, only five are women — four from PBB and one from DAP. In Parliament, six women MPs represent Sarawak – four Malay/Melanau Muslims (PBB), one Chinese (DAP), and one Iban (PRS). Jayum said while parties like PBB, Umno, and PKR show better female representation, Dayak-majority parties lag behind. Since Malaysia's formation in 1963, no Dayak woman has ever held a full ministerial post at the state or federal level, he added. He cited PRS MP Doris Brodie, who won the Sri Aman seat in 2022, as a missed opportunity. Despite her experience – including two terms in the Senate and serving as Deputy Senate President – she was passed over for the two ministerial slots allocated to PRS, Jayum said. 'This is disappointing, especially given her experience. The decision to side-line Doris reflects the continuing gender imbalance in political appointments, particularly among the Dayak community,' he said. He urged all communities to do more to recognise and elevate women in leadership, noting that national progress depends on equal participation from all members of society. Dayak jayum jawan leadership women
Borneo Post
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Keeping the passion for finswimming alive
Killian (front, on Lane 7) in action in this photo, taken during one of the event's heats in the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. NATIONAL swimming sensation Killian Ung is hitting a new high after transforming from a traditional swimmer to a 'finswimmer'. Dubbed the 'Flying Fish from Sarawak', the 25-year-old aspires to bag home some honours as he prepares for the 33rd South East Asia (SEA) Games in Thailand later this year. Killian admits that it is not going to be an easy battle for him as finswimming does not receive the same support or recognition from the Malaysian government, unlike the traditional swimming, which is among the nation's core sports. To excel, he knows it is a big challenge to churn out convincing results, deemed as a pre-requisite to popularise finswimming. 'However, I am passionate about the sport and will continue competing as long as my body allows it, regardless of having government backing or not. 'I hope to be part of the movement that put Malaysia participation in finswimming on the global map; hence, raising awareness of finswimming in Malaysia. 'That is my ultimate mission,' the Sibu youth told thesundaypost . 'Giving it a try' Currently pursuing a degree in sports rehabilitation at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) in Perak, Killian started off as a traditional swimmer during his school days at SMK Chung Hua Sibu. He had represented Sarawak in various national meets, including the SEA Age Group Championship and Malaysia Games (Sukma), which he competed in three times and brought home a bronze medal. In 2022, his UPSI coach Mohamed Rizal Hashim introduced finswimming and encouraged him to try it out. Killian with his family and his coach, all coming to support him during the Asian Finswimming Championship in Phuket. At the same time, a friend offered to sell him some second-hand fins. Feeling that he was saturated in his traditional swimming and made little headways, Killian decided to give finswimming a try. 'I took up the offer as I was eager to pursue a new sport in my swimming career and surprisingly, I felt very comfortable with finswimming.' In January 2023, Killian competed in his first National Finswimming Championship and superbly swept the gold medals in the 200m and 400m bifin events. 'The result sparked a deep interest and passion for me to continue. 'It also inspired me to pursue the sport seriously and aggressively as I saw finswimming as a new challenge and a way to extend my journey in aquatic sport.' Killian and Coach Mohamed Rizal celebrating his gold-medal feat at the Malaysian Finswimming Championship in Penang. Since then, Killian had participated in every major finswimming meet in Malaysia, including the Malaysia Age Group and Malaysia Fin Swimming Championships. Along the way, he also represented the 2023 SEA Games and the World Cup in Phuket, Thailand. Kilian currently holds the both the national records in the 200m and 400m bifin events, with a time of 1:44 and 3:46, respectively, which he clocked during the SEA Games 2023 in Cambodia. Killian with his 'Sportsman Award (Swimming)', presented during UPSI's Sports Excellence Awards For Year 2023', staged at the university last December. What is finswimming? Fin swimming is an aquatic sport consisting of techniques involving swimming with the use of fins – either monofins or bifins – and propelling oneself through the surface of the water. It is like a traditional swimming, but the swimmer is equipped with the gears to allow faster movement through the water. The types of fin swimming events include 'surface' (SF), 'apnoea' (AP), 'immerson' (IM) and 'bifins' (BF), and the common racing distances are 50m, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1,500m, as well as the relay events. Fin swimming is a relatively new sport in SEA. In Vietnam, the sport has been developed for many years and because of that, their team is regarded as the strongest in the SEA region. They have essentially been dominating the finswimming events at the SEA Games level. Across Asia, finswimming is also popular in China, South Korea, Vietnam and Japan. Malaysia and Singapore, right now, are developing their respective talents in the sport. Globally, finswimming is not as popular as traditional swimming, but it does have a strong following, especially in European countries like Russia, Ukraine, Hungary and also Italy – all dominating many international competitions. Nonetheless, Colombia is among a handful of Latin American countries that are active in this sport, which is governed internationally by the Confederation Mondiale des Activities Subaquatiques (CMAS). Killian in a photo-call with Sibu Amateur Swimming Association coach, Samuel Wong. There are World Games and CMAS World Championships as far as finswimming is concerned, but it is yet to be classified as an Olympic sport. Finswimming is very expensive. A high-quality monofin costs around RM5,000, a snorkel about RM300, and bifins roughly about RM800; a competition suit can even reach RM1,500. 'The registration fees and competition-related costs are also quite high; in most cases, everything is self-funded,' said Killian. 'Despite all these financial challenges, my passion for the sport and the support from my family keep me going. 'Without their diehard support, there is no way I can reach my current status.' A family of swimmers For Killian, swimming runs deep in his family. 'My father is a former national water polo player, and both of my brothers have also represented Sarawak in water polo,' he said, adding: 'One of my brothers recently took up finswimming too.' Killian and his father Joseph Ung, a former national water polo player. Killian said throughout his swimming journey, he had never for once felt discouraged or heartbroken over the lack of support. 'My family has been my biggest support system, and they always stand behind me emotionally and financially. 'Whether it is covering my expenses or flying out to watch me compete, their support is unwavering.' Training regimen At the moment, Killian trains about two hours per day, up to a maximum of four days per week. This is mainly due to the availability of the pool as the facility that he uses is not always open. In terms of preparation, Kilian said he would base it on what competition to be coming up next. 'If it's a finswimming event, I would shift to finswimming and conduct specific training, but if it's traditional swimming, I would go to that exact discipline.' Killian is committed to both events, depending on the opportunity. 'Increased exposure and good performance on international stages can attract more attention and support for the sport in the future. 'Right now, I just focus on the University Games, maintain my time and maybe, put more focus on my future when I am working,' he said. finswimming Killian Ung malaysia Sarawak sports
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Living on the margins of Miri's progress
One of the farmers seen on his boat in the river, just outside his house. WHILE Miri continues to flourish as a vibrant resort and oil and gas (O&G) city, small-time farmers living along Sungai Miri remain caught in a daily struggle for survival, relying almost entirely on the surrounding jungle to put food on the table. In a squatter settlement located less than a 10-minute drive from the city centre, some 20 families still reside in modest wooden dwellings, with many without access to stable electricity supply, or proper sanitation. The communities there, comprising mainly the Kayans, the Kenyahs and the Ibans, rely heavily on wild produce from the jungle and river for their livelihood. Among them is 71-year-old Lawing Uchat, who begins his day well before sunrise, 'parang' (machete) in hand, as he loads an outboard engine onto a small wooden boat to forage for 'midin' — the popular wild ferns much loved by Sarawakians. 'For one day's work, I can collect maybe three or five kilogrammes,' he tells thesundaypost here. 'Buyers in town pay about RM25 per kilogramme, sometimes less. 'It's not enough considering the fuel, time and hard work that we have to endure, but we have no choice.' The 'midin' and other jungle ferns such as 'pakis' and 'paku uban', make up the bulk of what these small farmers collect every day. At around 9am, Lawing — often accompanied by his wife, Ering Lupa, 65 — ensures that they return home to their squatter settlement in Pujut Corner with the ferns. 'The boat ride usually takes about an hour. Once we arrive, we start sorting (the ferns) right away. 'This takes about one to two hours — we must be quick because we have to sell the ferns at the 'tamu' (farmers and jungle produce market) before noon; otherwise, there won't be any customers left,' says Lawing. Lawing (centre boat, back) and wife Ering, in front of him, with other farmers during one of their outings in Sungai Miri. On some days, the 'midin' is collected directly by buyers who have placed prior orders, mostly those operating restaurants that specialise in Orang Ulu cuisines. Despite the relatively high price per kilogramme, Lawing says the yields are not always guaranteed. 'On some days, we come back empty-handed. 'If it rains too much, or during the dry season, the 'midin' becomes too 'thin', and buyers can be very selective. 'There are also days when the harvest is plentiful, but not everything gets sold — what remains, we take home for own consumption,' he adds. Threats from 'kiambang' In recent years, Lawing and other farmers in Pujut Corner have also been battling a growing threat – the invasive water hyacinths clogging Sungai Miri. 'These plants are choking the riverbanks and blocking our access to the jungle. 'Our boats can no longer pass through to reach the areas where we used to collect ferns,' laments Lawing. Water hyacinths and other vegetation in the water block Sungai Miri, making it impassable to boats. The invasive aquatic plant — known locally as 'kiambang' — has been spreading rapidly along Sungai Miri, with the situation in nearby Sungai Teniku, about a 30-minute boat ride away, becoming increasingly critical. According to Lawing, the problem has persisted for nearly two years with little to no intervention from the relevant authorities. 'Because our boats can no longer get through, we have lost our main source of income. 'All these years we have depended on this river to reach our farmland — now we are completely cut off.' In an effort to cope with the situation, Lawing and several other farmers occasionally carry out 'gotong-royong' (work party) sessions, using grass-cutters and 'parang' to clear enough of the 'kiambang' to allow their boats to pass. However, they are struggling to keep up, as the plant grows rapidly and spreads easily. 'In the past, a private company operating nearby used to help clear the river, but we have not seen them for quite some time. 'We don't really know who is responsible for clearing and maintaining the river,' says Lawing. The plight of these small-time farmers extends beyond the river. For decades, families here have lived in makeshift houses — constructed from wooden planks and plywood boards for walls and flooring, with rusty zinc sheets as roofing. Some units have no electricity supply. Toilets are rudimentary — human waste goes directly into Sungai Miri. Despite being located very near to the city centre, Lawing says his settlement continues to be overlooked amidst ongoing mega development projects. 'Miri is growing fast, but we are still here, struggling – it is as if we've been forgotten.' Photo shows the squatter houses along Sungai Miri. Delayed promises, infrastructure gaps These challenges faced by the squatter communities at Pujut Corner are part of a much larger issue. During the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting in May 2022, Pujut assemblyman Mayor Adam Yii said Miri had one of the highest squatter populations in Sarawak, with approximately 690 households in the Pujut area alone requiring proper resettlements. He said the existing resettlement scheme, centring on allocating land to squatters, often failed to improve their circumstances. Yii pointed out that with limited funds, many families ended up rebuilding houses using recycled materials, and were left without proper infrastructure such as roads, electricity and clean water supply. 'Furthermore, ageing drainages in early housing areas, including Pujut Corner, are unable to cope with Miri's increasingly frequent heavy rainfall, exacerbating flood risks,' said Yii, who also urged for immediate upgrading works on earth drains and concrete channels as part of a coordinated effort with the local authorities. In light of these issues, Yii proposed an alternative – the construction of low-cost housing units to truly uplift living conditions of the squatters, rather than merely relocating them to land without any essential amenities. Meanwhile, Miri MP Chiew Choon Man had, in October last year, revealed that more than 11,000 people in Miri were living in squatter settlements, despite the state's wealth in natural resources. During a question-and-answer session in Parliament on Nov 2 last year, Chiew said the Deputy Minister of Local Government had revealed that 1,741 household heads, with a total of 9,462 family members, were living in squatter settlements in Miri. He stressed the urgent need for a more comprehensive housing policy to address the needs of the people, particularly in Miri, and ensure that they could afford at least low-cost or affordable housing. He also pointed out that urbanisation and development would often lead to housing issues due to a lack of available land compared to the growing population. 'It is crucial to plan and implement effective strategies to ensure that all levels of society, including those living in squatter settlements, can enjoy a comfortable and safe home. 'I will continue to raise this housing issue in Parliament to ensure that Miri receives the attention it needs for affordable housing,' said Chiew. When contacted on the latest development regarding the relocation plan, Yii told thesundaypost that the resettlement programme was underway. 'The resettlement of squatters has already been prepared and arranged by the Land and Survey Department Miri. 'The programme will be implemented in due course,' he said. On the issue of overgrowing vegetation along the river, Yii pointed out that the Miri City Council (MCC) would liaise and coordinate with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and the Sarawak River Board in the clearing works. Meanwhile, State Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, when met recently and asked about the matter, said that he would ask the DID to clear the vegetation. A plank walkway leads to a squatter unit in Pujut Corner. Persistent struggles Lawing recalls hearing, years ago, talks about resettlement or low-cost housing schemes, but as with many situations before that, nothing has ever materialised. 'We're still waiting but in the meantime, we worry about losing access to the forests and the river. 'These are our only sources of income and food. 'For people like us, moving to town might sound good but if we couldn't go into the forests to collect 'midin', or fish in the river, how are we supposed to survive?' Another pressing concern, says Lawing, is security, particularly regarding their outboard engines, which are essential for their daily work. 'There have been incidents in the past where the engines were stolen. 'If we're to move, there might not be a safe place to store our boat and equipment.' Despite their hopes of relocating, Lawing points out one immediate priority – for the authorities to clear the river so that he and his fellow residents can resume foraging for 'midin' and other jungle produce to sustain their livelihoods. At the same time, he and his neighbours continue to place their hopes in the government, particularly in the provision of a proper and permanent area to call home. Lawing Uchat squatter settlement Sungai Miri
Borneo Post
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Kumang Gawai: More than just about beauty
Senorita in a photo-call, taken during the interview at her residence in Kuching. FOR over half a century, the name 'Kumang Gawai' has symbolised more than just beauty – it embodies the pride, culture, and resilience of the Dayaks in Sarawak. Traditionally held during the Gawai Dayak celebration, this pageant features women adorned in their intricate traditional attire and judged not only on their appearance, but also on their cultural knowledge, poise and personality. Said to have been introduced in the 1960s, the Kumang Gawai once held a prominent role at the state level, serving as a prestigious platform to honour Dayak identity and heritage. However, in the years following the Covid-19 pandemic, the event had been scaled down to a non-competitive format. Often likened to Sabah's iconic 'Unduk Ngadau', Kumang Gawai has long been considered as the 'crown jewel' of the Gawai calendar. Throughout the recent years, however, its visibility has quietly diminished – reduced to parade-style appearances during state-level Gawai Dayak open houses and dinners. Now, amid a renewed wave of cultural pride and heritage preservation, a crucial question is being asked: Is it time to revive the state-level Kumang Gawai in all its former splendour? Rooted in myth, identity Unlike mainstream beauty contests, Kumang Gawai is deeply rooted in the legends and folklores of the Iban people. The concept draws from rich oral traditions, where beauty is not merely physical but symbolic of grace, femininity, and the ideals of womanhood. In Iban mythology, Kumang is the heavenly goddess and consort of 'Keling' – the celestial hero and archetypal prince. She is famed for her exceptional beauty and remarkable lineage, hailing from Batang Gelong, believed to be the ancestral land of the most beautiful Iban women. The ideal Iban woman, as personified by Kumang, embodies gentleness, resourcefulness, artistic talents, fidelity, and inner strength. These attributes form the spiritual and cultural foundation of the pageant – a search for the 'Festival Queen' and symbolic 'Heavenly Beauty' among the participating Dayak women. 'More than a crown' To explore the relevance of the pageant today, thesundaypost spoke to several former titleholders including Datin Senorita Linang, the first Iban to be crowned Kumang Gawai Dayak at the state level in 1966, and continued to win in 1967, and 1968. Back then, the pageant was jointly organised by Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) and Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak (SIDS) at the Rumah Dayak, on a site along Jalan Satok just opposite the Sarawak headquarters of Bank Negara Malaysia. Photo of Senorita taken after her crowning as Kumang Gawai in 1968. A trailblazer in many respects, Senorita made history not only within Sarawak but also on the national stage. One of her highlights as a beauty queen was when she represented Sarawak at the Miss Malaysia Float Queen, held in conjunction with the 10th National Day celebration at Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, on Aug 31, 1967. She was up against 13 other state-level queens and 22 non-governmental organisation (NGO) representatives, and emerged the second runner-up. According to Senorita, although the state-level competition has yet to be revived, Kumang Gawai pageants continue to be held at the divisional level. She noted that this year alone, competitions had taken place in Betong, Kapit, Miri, Sri Aman, Sibu and also during the 'R&R Borneo Cultural 2025' event at Penview Convention Centre (PCC) Demak in Kuching – just to name just a few. These events also welcomed participants from various Dayak communities, notably the Bidayuh with its title 'Dayung Sagon' (literally means 'beautiful woman' in the language), and the Orang Ulu with its title 'Keligit'. There were also the competitions for the men, with the 'Keling', the Bidayuh's 'Dari Pogan' (strongman), and 'Berawan' titles. Senorita (left) in a photo call with the Top 3 contestants of the Kumang Iban category of R&R Borneo Cultural 2025 event in Kuching. 'All these reflect the pageant's growing inclusivity and cultural diversity. 'We still bring divisional winners to parade at the state-level Gawai dinner every year, except during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. 'Typically, four Kumang winners and two Keling winners are invited, but the actual state-level competition hasn't resumed – there's no more excitement, no more competition,' said the former manager of Dayak Cultural Foundation (DCF) Performing Arts, when met at her residence recently. Nevertheless, Senorita – a respected cultural custodian and long-time organiser of the event – believed that the value of Kumang Gawai remained undiminished. 'We should be proud to show our culture – not only at the state level, but even at national and international levels. 'It's a celebration of who we are.' A platform for identity Angela Martin, the state-level Kumang 1995 winner, remembered the pageant as 'the highlight of Gawai festivities'. 'It brought communities together. We represented our divisions with pride. 'The pageant wasn't just about looks – we were judged on our knowledge of heritage, language, and customs,' said Angela, who later became a Guinness Stout poster model in 1996. Jennifer Jack, the titleholder in 2003, described the competition as 'a catalyst for both cultural identity and tourism'. 'We should be aiming for something like the 'Unduk Ngadau'. Our version should be no less prestigious,' she stressed. Angela posing after she was crowned the state-level Kumang Gawai in 1995, representing Sri Aman. Beyond the sparkle of traditional costume and gold bangles, former winners agreed that Kumang Gawai was never about aesthetics alone, as it served as a cultural incubator – grooming leadership, public speaking skills, and nurturing deeper understanding of Dayak heritage. Marcella Shareen Mos, a finalist and Miss Fair & Lovely Gawai Tourism Night 2004, recalled how the competition had empowered her and many other women. 'Kumang Gawai is not just a beauty pageant. You learn to carry yourself in public, speak with pride about your culture, and represent your people. 'It also acted as a bridge for cultural exchange. 'People would ask about your attire, your beads, your language – it could open conversations, and it could educate,' she said. Jennifer was crowned state-level Kumang Gawai in 2003, making her one of the last recipients of this title in the state-level competition. A forward-looking revival For many, the push for revival is not merely nostalgic – it is a vision grounded in modern possibilities. Jennifer believed that the pageant needed structural reform and digital transformation. 'We need a permanent organising body, like Sabah's Unduk Ngadau Association. 'Include past winners; tap into their experiences. 'Promote it widely on social media, get the tourism boards involved, and also add grooming workshops, public-speaking rounds, and cultural knowledge segments. Showcase not just beauty, but substance,' she suggested, to which Angela concurred. 'Use modern tools, but never compromise on tradition. 'Keep the mother tongue. Keep the 'ngepan' (Iban traditional attire) authentic. 'Don't turn it into a costume show for the camera,' she pointed out. Jennifer (left) is a regularly-invited judge at various local-level Kumang Gawai pageants. Engaging next generation There is growing optimism that a revitalised state-level Kumang Gawai could appeal to the younger generation of women, particularly the Gen Z seeking to reconnect with their cultural roots. 'With social media, you can go viral in one night, but still, we need to provide substance. 'Teach them the history of their attire. 'Let them visit the cultural sites, orphanages, and homes for the elderly. 'Make it a holistic, meaningful journey – not just a walk on stage,' said Marcella. She fondly recalled the era when the competition would span over several days, filled with rehearsals, mentorship, and community outreach programmes. 'It was tough, but it was fun. 'Joining a beauty pageant isn't just about looking your best. It challenges you to grow, to step out of your comfort zone, and to present yourself with confidence in front of others. 'Through the experience, I learned how to engage with people from different backgrounds and levels, how to speak thoughtfully, and most importantly, how to show respect for everyone around me. 'It's an opportunity that not only builds self-esteem, but one that also shapes you into someone who can connect, inspire, and represent with grace,' she added. Marcella, looking radiant after she was crowned Kumang Gawai Sadia in 2000. The road ahead The idea of reviving the full-scale state-level Kumang Gawai has already sparked conversations among the organisers and past participants. With consistent support from the State Gawai Dayak Celebration Dinner Committee, which continues to sponsor the event annually, many believe a revival is not only possible, but inevitable. As Sarawak continues to assert its cultural distinctiveness within Malaysia and on the world stage, the return of Kumang Gawai is increasingly seen not just as a nostalgic dream, but also as a timely vision – blending identity, pride, and women's empowerment, wrapped in beads, brocade, and tradition. Kumang Gawai sarawak Senorita Linang
Borneo Post
08-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
‘From Sibu to Singapore'
Sarawak-born doctor proud to have become pioneer in colorectal surgery in Lion City, hails late wife as 'greatest supporter' Dr Goh regards the relocation to Singapore in 1981 as 'the defining step of his career'. THE move from Sarawak to Singapore in 1981 was indeed the defining step for Mukah-born Prof Dr Goh Hak Su. It later earned him the recognition of being one of the most respected figures in the field of colorectal surgery. 'Well, I grew up in a poor household in Mukah. 'I went to school and studied up to O-Level at Three Rivers School. 'That's the highest you could go in Mukah. Usually, after Form 5, the next step would be to go to Miri to do the A-Level,' he shared with thesundaypost during an exclusive interview recently. Dr Goh, now 77, could never forget how fortunate he was to be awarded an English scholarship after his O-Level, which enabled him to pursue A-Levels at the prestigious Sevenoaks School in the UK. He then went on to pursue two degrees – one in Biochemistry, and the other in Medicine – at the King's College London and the University of London. He then underwent training as a surgeon and obtained a Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) in England, before coming back to Sarawak in early 1980. 'There were very few doctors in Sarawak in those days. I thought that before coming back, I would be more useful if I were a surgeon rather than just a GP (general physician). 'As a GP, you treat general medical conditions, which is also important. 'But if someone came in bleeding or with appendicitis, I wouldn't be able to deal with it as a GP. 'So I trained as a surgeon after completing my medical degree. 'The whole point of training and going back was to serve Sarawak,' he said. 'Return to homeland' Upon his return in early 1980, Dr Goh was posted at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) in Kuching. His wife Associate Professor Dr Cynthia Goh, also a trained doctor, had taken some time off to raise their son and daughter. Photo shows the old Lau King Howe Hospital in Sibu, where Dr Goh had served as its only surgeon from 1980 to 1981. — Photo from Dr Goh said after several months at the SGH, he was persuaded by the former deputy chief minister, the late Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Wong Soon Kai, to relocate to Lau King Howe Hospital (LKHH) in Sibu, where there were no surgeon at the time. 'It was a request that I graciously accepted,' said Dr Goh. He said including himself, there were two surgeons in Kuching at the time. 'The other was a more senior colleague. In Sibu, however, there was no surgeon stationed there. 'Datuk Patinggi Dr Wong, a great and highly-respected surgeon, approached me and said: 'We have two surgeons here in Kuching, but none in Sibu – why not serve where you're needed most'. 'So, after four months in Kuching, I agreed to move to Sibu.' 'One surgeon, many roles' Dr Goh then served at the LKHH as the sole surgeon, providing surgical care and covering not just Sibu, but the entire division at that time. 'I enjoyed my work at the LKHH very much. People came from Kanowit, Kapit, even as far as Belaga. 'Sometimes, though, we had patients with appendicitis who had to travel for two to three days just to reach us for surgery. 'Sadly, some did not make it.' As the only general surgeon in Sibu, Dr Goh performed a wide range of operations, from on the abdomen and lungs to, at times, heart and kidneys. 'I didn't do eye surgeries, because there was an eye surgeon; and there's one for O&G (obstetrics and gynaecology). 'The rest, I had to do myself. Obviously, it was very challenging. 'Given the limitations at the time, my team and I had to make do with what was available. 'It was a demanding environment, but it's also one that gave us invaluable experience and taught us to adapt effectively.' 'Decision shaped by circumstances' However, nearing the end of 1981 after having served in Sarawak for 18 months, Dr Goh left Sibu for Singapore. It was not a decision that he made lightly. 'It was driven by necessity,' he said, pointing out that the circumstances surrounding foreign spouses at the time made it almost impossible for his family to settle in Sarawak. In explaining this, he said Dr Cynthia was born in Hong Kong, but after having studied in the UK for so long, she was granted British citizenship. 'My wife, having studied in the UK for years, and my children, who were born in England, all held British passports. 'At that time, the situation was very different – they couldn't become Sarawak residents. 'My wife had to renew her permit every three months, and although she was a trained doctor, she wasn't allowed to work in Sarawak. 'It was very difficult,' he shared. 'A new chapter' After his family left Sarawak, Dr Goh joined the Department of Surgery at the National University of Singapore (NUS). It was in his first eight years with the university that he developed a special interest in colorectal surgery. 'Even at that time, we already knew that colorectal cancer was going to be a very important focus, because from the cancer registry, we could see that the numbers and the incidence were increasing very dramatically compared with the other types of cancers.' In 1989, Dr Goh was asked by Singapore's Ministry of Health to establish the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Singapore General Hospital. 'That's where it began. I started the first colorectal surgery programme in Singapore, as well as in Southeast Asia. In 1989, I established the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Singapore General Hospital, marking the beginning of the specialty in the region.' The department trained most colorectal surgeons in Singapore and provided fellowships and training to surgeons from across Southeast Asia, China, India, Bangladesh, and even as far as Australia and UK. In 2021, Singapore Health Services (SingHealth) and Duke-NUS Medical School established the Goh Hak Su Professorship in Colorectal Surgery, with a perpetual endowment, in honouring Dr Goh for pioneering the surgical specialty in Singapore, and also in Southeast Asia. A view of the wall showing the awards and recognitions conferred on Dr Goh, at a corner of the Goh Hak-Su Colon and Rectal Centre in Singapore. — Photo from However, it was only one part of the Goh's legacy. Dr Cynthia also left an equally profound impact in the field of palliative care. 'A wife's grace, a nation's care' Born on Nov 21, 1949, in Hong Kong into a family of doctors, Dr Cynthia pursued medicine in the UK. There, she met her future husband at St Bartholomew's Hospital in 1969, and married him in 1974. To Dr Goh, Dr Cynthia was 'simply remarkable – a woman of brilliance, with sheer drive and deep compassion'. 'She trained to become a physician, and completed a PhD in molecular biology, all while raising a family. 'She could do it all – housewife, doctor, scientist. 'She was a brilliant person,' he said. Dr Cynthia took a holistic approach to medicine, added Dr Goh. 'She believed that a person was never just a diagnosis. She treated people, not just illnesses.' That belief, said Dr Goh, shaped her life's work in palliative care, which was a nascent field in Asia back then. Archive photo shows Dr Cynthia (left) attending to a patient at St Joseph's Home during her earlier years in the field of palliative care. — Photo from Dr Cynthia began volunteering at St Joseph's Home and Hospice, Singapore in 1986, and went on to establish palliative care services at Singapore General Hospital and the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) in 1999. She also co-founded HCA Hospice Care in 1991, and served as its first president. 'Hospice Care Association (HCA) was a voluntary organisation. 'Doctors and nurses visited people in their homes so they didn't have to die in hospital,' said Dr Goh. Dr Goh says in recognition of her contributions, Dr Cynthia was hailed as the 'Mother of Palliative Care in Singapore'. Dr Cynthia's contributions helped bring palliative care into mainstream healthcare, and in 2008, she was appointed co-chair of the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance (WHPCA). Even after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2020, Dr Cynthia remained focused on strengthening the field. She envisioned a lasting platform to support palliative care across Asia, and had laid the groundwork for what would become the Cynthia Goh Palliative Care Institute (CGPCI). 'Upon knowing that she was dying, she wanted the work to continue and grow. 'That's the legacy that she left behind,' said Dr Goh. Dr Cynthia passed away in February 2022, at the age of 72. In her honour, the CGPCI was launched on July 1, 2023, during the Eighth Singapore Palliative Care Conference, housed within the NCCS under Duke-NUS Medical School, where she had long championed the cause. Photo shows the Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore, where together with SingHealth had established the Goh Hak Su Professorship in Colorectal Surgery in 2021, in honouring Dr Goh for pioneering the surgical specialty in Singapore, and also in Southeast Asia. — Photo from Funded initially by S$6 million (then, one Singapore dollar = RM3.19) in donations from family and friends, the institute's key objectives are to build regional palliative care capacity, train future leaders through the Cynthia Goh Fellowship, and serve as the permanent home of the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN). In recognition of her contributions, Dr Cynthia was hailed as the 'Mother of Palliative Care in Singapore'. 'Measure success by purpose, not wealth' When asked what would be his advice for those from the younger generation aspiring to succeed, Dr Goh emphasised the importance of placing values above material gain. 'Never put money at the forefront of what you are doing. 'When we plan our life, we should not plan with the idea of wanting to be rich first. 'When you have money in front of you, and that's your goal, then to me, life would not be so fulfilling.' He added that one must always strive to do their best, making the most of whatever opportunities being given to them. He said: 'I was very lucky. I wanted to become a doctor, and I was given the opportunity to become one. 'So, I always wanted to be as good as I could, and that has enriched my life tremendously.' Dr Goh also expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support from Dr Cynthia, who shared his values and stood by him throughout their time together. 'I was trained in England and had no obligation to return to Sarawak – I wasn't bonded. 'But I wanted to come back to serve. 'Most people, at that time, had wondered why we chose to move to a place like Sibu, as it's not a big city. 'But Cynthia supported me fully. She believed that it was important for me. 'It was unfortunate that we could not stay longer in Sarawak, but we were given great opportunities in Singapore to develop, and that's where we went.'
