Sakan Belarak

Sekan Belarak is actually Kiput from Long Tutoh, Baram. I remember him warmly because he was such a big loving brother to all the young boys in the school.

Sakan was in Tanjong Lobang school from 1957 to 1961. Thus in many ways, he was in school long enough to make a mark. We all looked up to him because he was a warm and straightforward leader. It was his personality that drew many of us near him. He was also protective and most important of all he was very articulate in expressing needs and anxieties. In a special, quiet way, he was actually playing the role of a peer counsellor. How natural it was for him!

From then until today his place in the ulu Tutoh is full of meandering rivers and ox bow lakes teeming with fish like tapah, semah and patin. From his area also comes Simon Jelan, our "school enemy" because Simon a Kiput represented St. Joseph in sports and games and Tanjong Lobang boys never seem to be able to beat him in the sixties.

Those of you who remember Simon, you would remember him as our number one enemy in football and the tracks. Today he is a very successful business man in Brunei but he is leading the Kiput Association in Miri.

We continue to hold a lot of respect for the Berawans or Kiputs until today for their skills in sports and outdoor activities.

Today Sakan lives in Miri with his family and grown up children. His kampong is still a great paradise to visit, just about two hours by express from Marudi.