KUCHING: Temenggong Datuk Kanang Langkau will be given a state burial and accorded all honours commensurate with his sacrifices for the country.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu said the state government would prepare a spot for his grave at the heroes’ burial ground at Jalan Budaya where 21 other Iban trackers and Sarawak rangers had been re-buried.

He said Kanang was worthy of the highest honour and respect as he had put his life on the line many times to allow Malaysia to become the country it is today.

Nostalgic: Kanang's family members looking at a photo of him taken after the investiture ceremony in 2011 when he received the Panglima Gemilang Bintang Kenyalang, which carries the title Datuk.

“The state and country mourns his loss,” Jabu told reporters at the Sarawak General Hospital morgue after meeting Kanang’s family and seeing his body.

Kanang’s remains will be lying in state at the Civic Centre until his burial. Members of the public who wish to pay their last respects can come on Saturday, Jan 5, from 10am till noon and from 2pm till 5pm; and on Sunday from 9am till noon.

His body would be brought to the St Thomas’ Cathedral on Sunday at 1pm for the funeral service and he will be laid to rest at 3pm.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah, who is also Betong MP, said Kanang was a worthy hero to be given the highest honour due to his outstanding bravery.

“Today we lost a national hero, a loving father and an ‘Anak Sarawak’. He was the only soldier to receive the Sri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) Award - the country’s highest gallantry medal while alive.

“He was also awarded the Panglima Gagah Berani (PHB) for his bravery in combating communism in the country during the Emergency to ensure that we Malaysians can live in peace.

“My family and I, as well as all Malaysians express our condolences to Kanang’s family. Rest in peace our national hero,” he said.

Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing said Kanang would always be remembered for his “Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban” spirit.

“All peace-loving Malaysians certainly will mourn Datuk Kanang Langkau. He was a true hero and the custodian of the nation’s peace. May his spirit live in every one of us,” he said.

PKR state chief Baru Bian said Kanang should be remembered as he was a true hero.

“On behalf of PKR, I convey my deepest sympathy to the family of the late Datuk Kanang. It is yet another passing of a great hero,” he said.

Kanang’s brother-in-arms Maj (Rtd) Micheal Riman Bugat said Kanang was the best in jungle warfare compared to the rest of them.

“Because of that and his outstanding bravery, he was the only one of us awarded Sri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) and Panglima Gagah Berani awards. I got only the SP award.

“It is shocking, especially to me a close friend, that he just left without warning. He was as healthy as an ox the last time I met him which was last month when we had a seminar in Hilton Hotel here,” he said.

First Infantry Division Commander Maj Gen Datuk Mohd Zaki Mokhtar said the army would do all it could to assist Kanang’s family both from Sungai Apong and Sri Aman.

“We will definitely help prepare for the funeral. After all, he was one of us,” said Zaki, adding that his loss would be greatly felt by the nation.

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