KUCHING: The legacy of Tun Jugah Barieng as one of the prime movers in Malaysia's formation should never be forgotten, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Sarawak Premier said Tun Jugah had contributed greatly to Malaysia's development and paved the way for Sarawak to prosper.
"It is now our responsibility to preserve what he started in giving meaning to an independent and sovereign nation.
"This is in line with the government's aspiration to build a Malaysian society that respects one another, celebrates diversity and embraces the virtues of humanity and compassion for the wellbeing of all," he said at a talk in memory of Tun Jugah here on Monday (Sept 9).
His speech was delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.
The talk was organised by the National Archives in conjunction with National Day and Malaysia Day.
Abang Johari said Tun Jugah's important contributions included gathering 51 Iban community leaders in Kapit in 1962 to reach a consensus on joining the Federation of Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah) and Singapore to form Malaysia.
He said Tun Jugah was also involved in the Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee and Inter-Governmental Committee to discuss and provide reports on Sarawak's rights before the formation of Malaysia.
Tun Jugah was one of Sarawak's representatives who signed the Malaysia Agreement in London on July 9, 1963.
After Malaysia was formed, he was appointed Sarawak Affairs Minister from 1963 to 1974 and helped to spur development in Sarawak.
Abang Johari said Tun Jugah's political career reached a climax when he was appointed the first president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) in 1973 after agreeing to merge Parti Pesaka and Parti Bumiputera.
"The merger of both parties was done to strengthen political unity among the Sarawak bumiputra and ensure political stability.
"His wisdom, tolerance and moderate approach in politics enabled PBB to become the dominant political force in Sarawak until today," he said.
