Dari ‘Small Boy’ ke pengibar bendera Malaysia, anak abadikan kisah Jusit

Jusit Rantai, a young boy known as 'Small Boy' in Agnes Newton Keith's memoir, is now seeking to have his own memoir published, based on his father's handwritten notes and accounts. Juliana Rantai, Juliana's grandson, is working on the memoir, traveling across Sarawak to collect her grandfather's stories. Juliana explains that her grandfather began writing his life story after being encouraged by Agnes to document his experiences, including the time they spent together in Sandakan around the 1930s.

Her grandfather initially wrote the memoir, which Juliana then transcribed, typed, and arranged before sharing it with him. Her grandfather's writing is beautiful and holds up well even in his older age. Juliana is pleased when her grandfather reads through the manuscript and makes only minor changes. Juliana also mentions that her grandfather wanted this book to be shared because it contains important historical value at the state, national, and international level, referring to the formation of Malaysia or the experiences of the past generations along with the Keith family.

Additionally, she personally wants her children to understand their family's origins. Among her writings are her father's story, Ensing, an Iban police officer from Simanggang during Brooke's administration, as well as Jusit's involvement in the Rundum rebellion, including the participation of family members. Juliana notes that this part was the hardest to prepare due to its family history and the need for consent from other heirs before inclusion in the book.

The memoir of her father is not just about his experiences with the Keith family and raising the Malaysian flag, but also about passing down their Iban heritage to future generations.