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| Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng |
Special Report by Caroline Jackson
September 20, 2011
KUCHING, Sept 20 (Bernama) – As a freedom fighter in the thick of action in the struggle for Sarawak's independence from colonial rule, the man cut his teeth as a budding leader.
He was the toast to the people.
Today, Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng continues to be one as Sarawak's head of state.
On Saturday, the well-loved, much respected and twice-appointed head of state turns 90.
Abang Muhammad Salahuddin's inner circle, including staff at the State Astana in Petra Jaya here, describe the man as a people-oriented leader who discards protocol and is unfazed by medals or positions.
Born in Kampung Nangka in Sibu on Aug 27, 1921, he represented the Melanau community to voice their support on Sarawak's participation in the formation of Malaysia, to the Cobbold Commission, an independent body appointed by the United Nations.
Abang Muhammad Salahuddin was first appointed as the state's third head of state from April 1977 until April 1981, and then as the current and sixth head of state since Dec 2000.
