Madius – A tireless ‘campaigner’ on Sabah discontents

By Sindin Ranggangon, Kiulu

DSP Wilfred M. Tangau is well known for his oft-repeated and tireless campaign on Sabah discontents or grievances, which had been in existence for the past five decades – though hidden away in subterranean channels. But, of course he is not alone in this campaign. I recall, one BN Sabah MP after another, and one BN leader after another one like TS Bernard Dompok, Datuk Yong Teck Lee, and Dr Jeffrey Kitingan have voiced their concern whether in Parliament or outside on these issues.

Madius with Shafie attending the MA63  Committee chaired by PM

What were the Sabah discontents? It’s the illegal immegrants; MA 63; the crime and security situation; the lack of proper infrastructure like provision of reliable water and electricity supply; the “localization” of government and quasi-government posts; the regression of Sabah from one of the riches states in Malaysia in the 70s to one of the poorest states four decades later; the abysmal 5% oil royalty and the marginalization of the KDM community emerging as the new underclass in the state.

Due to these issues, DSPWMT has touched the lives of so many people. The 60-year-old politician from Kiulu, Tuaran who has both verbal ability as well as writing skill managed to endear himself to the people of Sabah, especially the Pasokmomogun. And though image has not become a factor in Malaysian politics, it’s an added advantage and DSPWMT also has this. He always appears younger than his age. While the politics of appearance is not vital in our elections, but it enhances and helps him to balance the frequencies of space around him.

A beloved man who’s humble and kind, walks his talk and talks his walk – the mark of a good leader! Definitely and precisely, he’s the most outstanding Kadazandusun leader from Kiulu who has brought sunshine to many, in his many roles as Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Trade and Industry, state legislator, parliamentarian, UPKO President and a friend to many.

From the KDMs of the far-flung villages of Pensiangan, Beluran, Kinabatangan, Kudat in Sabah to those indigenous Orang Asli in Perak in Semenanjung, villagers know him as truly caring person. This has been proven on numerous occasions while visiting his constituents, he would bring along his spouse, Dr Jaina Sintian, who’s a medical Dr – to provide free consultation and medical supplies. Sometimes, he would stopped by to visit and give financial assistance to alleviate the suffering of the sick and destitute or those in bereavement over the demise of their loved ones. He had made a tremendous impact in Kiulu, Tamparuli and Tuaran in particular and the State as a whole by building roads, bridges, schools, community halls, churches, suraus, water and electricity supply and many other amenities.

Perhaps, his greatest and most conspicuous achievement in his constituency – he managed to secure the agreement of the State and Federal Governments to tar-sealed the Telipok-Kiulu- Rondogung and Pukak-Mantob-Poring highways that marked Kiulu’s frontier.

In retrospect the KDM and Pasokmomogun had good fortune of having the best elected representative in Tuaran and Sabah in general. His visits to his constituency were frequent; he always had a listening ear. He’s indeed a living testimony in humility – a brilliant man, oozing with compassion, patience, forgiving nature, and a steely determination. Above all, he loved to help – a hallmark of a true practicing Christian.

On the political front, being the DCM, he’s very close with DS Shafie Apdal, the Sabah Chief Minister. It’s our ardent hope that together they will make Sabah great again!

Editor’s Note: Sindin Ranggangon is regular reader of beritasabah.com and have been sharing his views on current politics in the past. The views publish heretofore is his views alone and doesn’t necessarily reflect the views of BS.