KUCHING: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof could not hold back his emotions as he wept while recalling the difficulties and struggles that his late father Yusof Merais went through in fighting for the liberation of Sarawak from the clutches of colonialism more than 60 years ago.
"I am sorry because I cannot stop myself from showing my true emotions, looking back at the history, the struggles and the sacrifices of my parents.
"We came from very humble beginnings where as a family we were not at all well off. My dear late father was one of those who stood up to fight and struggle alongside Rosli Dhoby, during the confrontation period of the formation of Malaysia.
"Their struggle, their fight was to free Sarawak. They were willing to put their lives on the line in going against the colonisers, so much so my late father ended up being imprisoned not once but twice.
"My dear mother led a very difficult life bringing all of us on her own, making a living as an 'amah', washing clothes at other people's houses and sewing," said Fadillah, who spoke during a thanksgiving ceremony with the Kampung Datu Sibu residents association in Kuching yesterday.
His late father Yusof died on Oct 23, 2018 at the age of 91.
Fadillah stressed on the determination and the will to fight to ensure the future of the ensuing generation demonstrated by our forefathers needed to be continued.
"The fight and the struggle for Sarawak was not easy. How many of our brave fighters ended up dying at the end of the rope. So we must step up and continue their fight, their struggle for the sake of our children and grandchildren.
"We must never ever forget where we came from, and the difficulties and struggles endured by our forefathers who laid their lives on the line to fight for independence, the harmony and freedom that we enjoy today. It is all thanks to them, and the sacrifices that they made.
"We must protect this for the sake of our children, grandchildren, and their future," said Fadillah, who is also Plantation and Commodities Minister .