Miri BN leaders express sadness at Adenan’s death
MIRI: The demise of the fifth Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, has shocked many and deeply saddened those who were close to him as well as those who looked up to him for being a great leader who fought for the people.
Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP) secretary- general Datuk Sebastian Ting said he was shocked to learn about the news of the demise of the chief minister, who is better known as ‘ Tok Nan’.
The Piasau assemblyman said he had known Adenan personally for about 20 years as they were golf buddies before he became active in politics.
“When I heard the news this afternoon ( yesterday), I was shocked and very sad, not only we lost a great leader but also a friend who shared the same interest in golf,” he told The Borneo Post yesterday.
“As a chief minister, though he had only served for about three and a half years, he had brought many positive changes to this state.
“Especially in terms of administration, where he had implemented numerous policies that are people- oriented,” he added.
According to Ting, one of Adenan’s biggest efforts was reclaiming the rights and autonomy of Sarawak from the federal government, which was fully supported by SUPP.
“He was a leader with the people in mind, he was a very concerned person and had fought hard for Sarawak and its people.
“As the fifth chief minister, he was also a very open person, very respectful especially when it came to the religions of multiracial Sarawakians,” he pointed out.
“For him, my God is also your God, but how you worship your God is up to you. This shows that he was a person full of respect. This is his attitude that I really praise, and also praised by SUPP,” he added.
Assistant Minister for Solidarity, Rosey Yunus, was also shocked to learn about Adenan’s demise and described it as a great loss for the state and Sarawakians.
“He had done a lot for Sarawak and had fought for Sarawakians’ rights until his very last breath,” she said.
While hoping that Adenan’s family stay strong during this difficult time, Rosey said she together with the people in Bekenu constituency shared the sadness with them.
“As a wakil rakyat for Bekenu, I, together with the people in this constituency, would like to express our condolences to Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu and family,” she said.
Meanwhile, the organising secretary of United People’s Party ( UPP) Central Working Committee, Bruce Chai, said he was also shocked to learn about Adenan’s demise, adding he could not believe it at first.
“For me and some UPP members in our WeChat groups, we were very shocked, and we feel that this is too soon. He left while his service to the people was still very much needed.
“As a chief minister, even though for a short time, he had brought many changes, and had also made many important decisions based on the needs of the people in this state,” he said.
“Therefore, we are very saddened, in fact we are lost for words. Adenan had huge potential in bringing more positive changes for Sarawak and even within a short period of time, he had done a lot,” he said.
On behalf of members of UPP Miri, especially in Pujut constituency, he expressed condolences to Adenan’s family and hoped they would remain strong in this trying time.
“At the same time, we also hope all Sarawakians can stay calm and remain united while we go through this period of mourning,” he added.
When I heard the news this afternoon (yesterday), I was shocked and very sad, not only we lost a great leader but also a friend who shared the same interest in golf. Datuk Sebastian Ting, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) secretary-general