Dunstan Endawie Enchana

Dunstan Endawie Enchana was a Malaysian politician from Sarawak, former teacher and a member of the Iban people. He served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak from 1977 until 1979. Endawie also served as a member of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly for the Krian constituency and the President of the now defunct Sarawak National Party during his political career. He was also a member of the several Sarawak state cabinets, including a tenure as state minister for Local Government.

Political career

Endawie began his career in Sarawak politics during the British colonial era. In 1963, he became a state cabinet minister under the first Chief Minister of Sarawak, Stephen Kalong Ningkan. Endawie became the President of the Sarawak National Party during the 1970s, a post he held until June 1980. Under Endawie leadership, SNAP became a member of the Barisan Nasional in 1976. Endawie also recruited several notable figures into SNAP, including Daniel Tajem, the former Vice-President of SNAP, whom Endawie persuaded to enter politics in 1968. Dunstan Endawie served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak from 1976 to 1979 under Chief Minister Abdul Rahman Ya'kub.

Diplomatic career

Endawie entered into the diplomatic field after retiring from active state politics. He was appointed as the High Commissioner of Malaysia to New Zealand. Endawie was the first ethnic Iban to become a Malaysian High Commissioner to another country.

Honours

* Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of Sarawak – Dato' Sri
* Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak – '''Datuk Amar'''

Death

Dunstan Endawie died at approximately 4 a.m. at Saratok District Hospital on 11 April 2014, at the age of 76. Endawie, who was a resident of Letong Sawa, Saratok, was survived by his wife, Datin Amar Piling Endawie, and five children. His funeral was held on 18 April 2014, in Taman Indah in Saratok. He was buried at Saratok Memorial Hill cemetery in Bukit Perabun, Saratok.