As a Malaysian, I am very proud to have a multiracial and multiethnic family. Although I was born in Sabah, my ancestors are thought to have come from Sarawak.
Sino-Melanau from my mother's side and Iban @ Sea Dayak from my father's. Despite the fact that I was born in Sabah, it may be said that I have a higher proportion of Sarawakian blood.
But the fact that I am illiterate in my native tongue is a great loss for me. There is a proverb that we Iban @ Sea Dayak are particularly proud of, perhaps because it is frequently cited by the heroes of the headhunters.
AGI IDUP, AGI NGELABAN
With that proverb, it makes me proud to have such a hero as "Rentap". Rentap, is the supreme Iban warrior of Sarawak. I have my respect towards him and all the Sarawakian unsung heroes who gave their life to protect their people's rights from colonizers.
The title 'Rentap' was earned after beheading his first enemy. His words, 'Agi Idup, Agi Ngelaban,' which means 'As long as I live, as long as I fight,' are still chanted even today even though Rentap is gone. And last, I hold that proverb as my daily reminder, too never quit and keep on thriving.