SERIAN: Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, paid his final respects to the late Datuk Amar Dominic Andrew Dago Randan at the family residence in Kampung Pichin on Friday.

The prominent Bidayuh leader passed away at the age of 91.

He is survived by his wife, Datin Amar Mary Margaret Lenuh, and their six children—three sons and three daughters.

Speaking during his visit, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari described the late Datuk Amar Dominic as a significant figure in the history of Malaysia’s formation, particularly for his pivotal role in uniting Bidayuh support for the establishment of the Malaysian Federation in 1963.

“The late Datuk Amar was the first Member of Parliament for Serian and served as a State Assemblyman for Upper Sadong for one term,” he said.

He also acknowledged the late statesman’s instrumental contribution in the unification of Parti Pesaka and Parti Bumiputera, which later formed the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).

Reflecting on his personal connection with the late leader, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari recalled that the latter was a contemporary of his father, the late Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Openg, during their tenure as members of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly.

“It was through this bond that my late father once set foot in Kampung Pichin during the 1970s,” he added.

After retiring from politics, the late Datuk Amar continued to serve both the community and the state government in various capacities, including as Political Secretary and Chairman of the Public Service Commission from 1971 to 1973.

He also held the presidency of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) from 1973 to 1975 and was the founding headmaster of St. Dominic Primary School in Kampung Pichin, established in 1955.

In recognition of his invaluable contributions, he was conferred the state’s highest honour—the Order of the Star of Sarawak (DA), which carries the title Datuk Amar—in 2019.

His other accolades include the 1Malaysia Icon Award (2009), the Pioneer of Independence Struggle Award, and the Sarawak Independence Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Final respects may be paid until Monday. The funeral is scheduled for 9.00 am on 19 May at the Holy Trinity Church in Kampung Pichin, followed by burial at the Kampung Pichin Cemetery.

Also present to pay their last respects were Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Chief Private Secretary to the Premier, Datuk Khir Busrah, Serian Division Resident Caroline Cleophas Joseph, Serian District Officer Inting Nyami, Serian District Council Secretary Tay Guan Huat and several other dignitaries. -UKASnews