The story traces the name of a village in Sarawak, which is called Dalat. The village gets its name after blood is shed among three brothers and their followers. The chief of the village dies without naming a successor or heir. The custom of the land gives preference to the eldest brother to take over the leadership of the village. Galau is the eldest and he is the rightful chief of the people. However, his brother Umat believes he is the right person to lead his people. Thus, the disagreement brings about discontent and hatred amongst the brothers. Lutong, the youngest amongst the brothers, supports Galau to be the chief and is on his side. Umat becomes their enemy and a war breaks out. Many people die in the war. There are many flies at the place where people die. Flies are called 'dalat' in the language of the local people, Melanau. Thus, Galau names the place 'Dalat' to remind the people of the war and the bitter lesson the people can learn from it. The place becomes a village and later a town, but the name "Dalat" still remains!
Reflection:
In fighting in between brothers/sister in the family is common these days. This is especially common in rich and powerful families when it comes to naming the new successor to the corporate empire left by their parents. Brothers/ sisters fight among themselves in order to gain the biggest share of the wealth left by their parents. The latest example is the confrontation in between Macau’s “King of Casino” – Stanley Ho with his second and third wife. Money and political power can make someone ‘blind’ in term of loyalty and filled them with jealousy.
However, when all the snatching and in fighting ended, it is important to remind one of the consequences caused by their greed and jealousy.
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