King, PM express condolences to family

KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, led Malaysian leaders in expressing condolences to the family of Dewan Negara President Senator Datuk Mutang Tagal, who died yesterday.

“His passing occurred while he was in service to the nation. May the family of the deceased endure this difficult time with patience,” Sultan Ibrahim said in a posting on the Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar Facebook page.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Mutang’s passing was a huge loss for the country and the people of Sarawak.

“My condolences to Mutang’s family,” Anwar said in a Facebook post.

“His contributions and sacrifices will be remembered forever.”

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul who expressed his deep sadness upon learning the news, reminisced about his collaborative experiences with Mutang.

“Reflecting on our shared endeavours, I remember him as a distinguished leader of the Lun Bawang ethnic group, dedicated to advancing parliamentary reforms in Malaysia.

“He was a compassionate leader, genuinely concerned about the welfare of our people.

“His departure is an immense loss to our nation,” Johari’s statement read.

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said he still remembers Mutang’s days in Sarawak politics.

“My father, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Leonard Linggi, who was the secretary-general of PBB at the time, played a crucial role in bringing him into PBB in the 1970s, before becoming an elected representative from the 1980s to the 1990s.

“He is not just a comrade in politics, but also a close friend to me and my entire family,” he said in a Facebook post.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian said he and Mutang had arranged to meet in the Dewan Negara.

“YAB Premier (Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg) and I were fortunate to be able to visit YBD Senator (Mutang) at National Heart Institute (IJN) Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday evening,” he said

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said he was sad that Mutang had passed.

He said he was grateful for having the opportunity to visit Mutang at IJN with the prime minister the day before.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong shared his recollection about meeting Mutang at Sri Satria, the deputy prime minister’s official residence in Putrajaya.

“The last time we met was on April 27 when we both attended Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s open house for Aidilfitri,” he said.

Mutang, 69, the first Dayak to be appointed Dewan Negara president, died yesterday.