Paliani Samba Bilaidom or fondly known as Lucy Lingam has been appointed as the First Indian Woman ‘Penghulu’ in Sarawak, and the only Indian woman in the nation holding the post, The Borneo Post reported.
What shall we describe Lucy as?
A woman who wears multiple hats – a wife, mother, grandmother, an entrepreneur running a restaurant, president of the Sarawak Indian Women’s Association, member of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), council member of the Sarawak Women and Family Council. Take a bow!
Besides being appointed as Sarawak’s first Indian woman Kapitan in 2010, she was also named the ‘Penghulu India’ (Indian Chief) in 2019 which, of course, made her community proud!
According to Sarawak Tribune, Penghulu Lucy has served in various organisations including the Indian Association of Kuching, the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple Kuching, the Hindu Sangam Sarawak Chapter, and Yayasan Pelajar Hindu Sarawak. She has also formed and led Siwa and Persatuan Silambam Sarawak.
Born and bred in Sarawak, she grew up in a multicultural background. Her passion for education and social work was influenced by her family whose roots date back to Kerala, India. Being devoted to social work through non-governmental organisations (NGOs), she holds a special place in the hearts of the local community in Sarawak.
Adhering to the proverb, ‘no pain no gain’, Lucy took the plunge by starting her business from scratch, and her LL Banana Leaf restaurant has been running successfully. The dedicated woman sets a great example to the upcoming generations by proving herself as a good leader who can be looked up to. To date, she has contributed tremendously to not only the Indian community but to the rest of Sarawakians of various ethnicities and backgrounds.
The mother of three has had her share of ups and downs and life itself has never been a bed of roses. Her constant hard work and passion has resulted in her earning a respectable position in political and commercial spheres.
Her constant hard work and passion have earned her a respectable position in political and commercial spheres.
There’s no “magic pill” that leads you to be a successful person. Lucy who made quite a name for herself identifies what she needs physically and mentally in order to sustain the high level of energy required of a first Indian woman ‘Penghulu’ in Sarawak.
