Dum Spiro Spero

It is a Latin phrase that means “As I breathe, I hope.” It is a common and meaningful motto of many organizations all over the world. These words capture the hopeful confidence that, as along as humans have breath, they have hope despite the difficulties of life. It also speaks of a certain innate human courage to face these challenges.

However, Kuchingites would be able to recognise this phrase above the portico of the iconic General Post Office in downtown Kuching built in 1931 which is opposite Plaza Merdeka.

It is the motto of the Brookes in their Kingdom of Sarawak in the nineteenth century up to the early twentieth century. This phrase usually sat prominently at the foot of the badger-topped Brooke dynasty coat of arms.

Dum Spiro Spero is also one of the original songs in The White Rajah of Sarawak musical during the scene of the installation of James Brooke as the White Rajah.