KUCHING: An iconic square to be known as the Bujang Berani Square is proposed to be built in Kapit as a tribute to the notable contributions of the Dayak community in national security and development.
Minister of Works, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the location of the proposed square is near Fort Sylvia, a historical site that has potential to be used as an iconic landscape symbol in conjunction with commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Kapit peace-making ceremony and the struggle of the Dayak community.
“The Bujang Berani Square is proposed to be built in an area in Kapit, near the Fort Sylvia compound, which has also been announced as an iconic landscape sign,” he explained.
He said this at a press conference after launching a book titled ‘Commemorating A Century Of Kapit Peacekeeping (1924–2024)’ here on Friday.
According to the Member of Parliament for Kapit, the proposed construction of the square is not only intended to commemorate the historic peacekeeping event, but also as recognition of the Dayak community who have long contributed to defending the country, including before the formation of Malaysia.
"This part of Kapit is the interior and the part where the Dayaks, regardless of race, all the Dayaks have contributed to the development of the country that we have created as Malaysia.
"Before Malaysia, they fought as security forces in Malaya during the Malayan Emergency as Sarawak Rangers and also as Malaysian Rangers," he said.
He added that Bujang Berani Square is also seen as having the potential to become a historical reference centre and a symbol of the spirit of unity for future generations.
Commenting on the book ‘Commemorating A Century of Kapit Peacekeeping (1924–2024)’, he explained that the book is a form of important documentation that brings together historical information, working papers, speeches, and a collection of photographs related to the peace-making events between various races in the interior of Kapit 100 years ago.
He said the book not only immortalises the historical moments that occurred between communities in Sarawak and the Indonesian border area, but also serves as a valuable reference material for future generations to understand the foundation of harmony that is built today. -UKASnews
