First Bidayuh MP - Dominic Andrew Dago Randan dies aged 90

FIRST Bidayuh Member of Parliament (MP) for Serian, Datuk Amar Dominic Andrew Dago Randan died today at the age of 90.

He was also a former Chairman of the Sarawak State Public Services Commission (SPANS).

Dominic was born on Aug 4, 1934 and was a prominent figure in Sarawak’s political and administrative development, especially during the formative years of Malaysia.

A respected teacher, temenggong and lawmaker, he died in his home in Kampung Pichin in Serian, some 37km from Kuching just three months short of his 91st birthday. He became a member of the Dewan Rakyat on November 10, 1965.

In addition to his contributions at the national level, he was actively involved in the development of his local community and in 1955, he founded St Dominic Pichin School in Serian, on a hill known as Kajuh Manggon, promoting education in rural areas.

Described by those who knew him as a kind and principled leader, Dominic served as a voice of the Bidayuh during the formation of Malaysia.

In 2019, he was honoured with the prestigious title of ‘Datuk Amar’ and received the Sarawak Independence Commemorative Award in recognition of his contributions during the state’s golden jubilee celebration commemorating 50 years of independence within Malaysia. – May 15, 2025