When your hobby is to work

LIFE beyond politics can easily revolve around raising chickens, tending livestock and growing vegetables for Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh.

A farmer at heart, the Kuala Rajang assemblyman has never lost his passion for agriculture despite the demands of public office.

In an exclusive interview with Sarawak Tribune, Len shared his hobbies, bedtime reading habits, favourite music and advice for young Sarawakians.

Sarawak Tribune: What do you enjoy doing during your free time?

Len: My hobby is work! I have been entrusted with responsibilities, and I will continue doing my best to fulfil them.

Apart from that, I enjoy spending time with my family and grandchildren, playing golf and fishing. I have not tried pickleball yet, but I would like to someday.

Tribune: Where do you usually go fishing?

Len: Usually around Kuala Rajang, particularly out at sea. Coming from a coastal community, fishing has been one of my interests since childhood.

Tribune: What is your bedtime routine?

Len: I usually read books before sleeping. I prefer technical books and research papers to novels, particularly those related to the environment, forestry and agriculture.

Tribune: What career would you have pursued if you had not entered politics?

Len: I would probably have become a farmer or livestock breeder. I enjoy raising chickens, goats and cattle, as well as growing vegetables.

Even now, I do some farming for our household’s daily needs, particularly raising kampung chickens for their meat and eggs.

Tribune: What music do you enjoy listening to?

Len: Mostly songs from the 1990s. Among my favourite artistes are Shidee, Saleem, David Arumugam and D’Lloyd.

Tribune: What is your all-time favourite song?

Len: Teringin by Shima.

Tribune: What advice would you give young Sarawakians preparing for their future?

Len: Young people must take advantage of the opportunities provided by the government in agriculture, education, digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

They should read widely, broaden their perspectives and explore emerging fields such as climate change and food security, which our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has strongly emphasised.

Do not limit yourselves to what you studied at university. Be willing to learn new skills and explore different fields.

Most importantly, do not graduate thinking that securing a government job is your only option.

Instead, consider how to develop your skills and make full use of the financial assistance, infrastructure and facilities available.

There are many possibilities, but young people must be willing to explore them.