Grief, disbelief at Adenan’s untimely demise

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing

Ihave lostafriend, DatukJamilah lost a husband, his children lost a father and Sarawak lost a very good and gutsy leader, who called spade a spade. It is now up to Sarawak elected representatives to move forward in ways which the late Datuk Patinggi Adenan had wanted Sarawak to be. Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh

His demise is a great loss to Sarawak. He was a great son of Sarawak. No one has done as much as him in a short three-year tenure as chief minister. We owe him a great deal. Last Friday, he called to ask me to nominate the list of winnable candidates (for UPP) for the coming parliamentary election. I was supposed to see him on Monday at 11am to discuss on it but was told later that he was not well. However, we did talk over the phone and he sounded weak. The news really came as a shock. Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian

It is with great sadness and heavy heart to inform that CM passed away at 1324 hrs at Sarawak Heart Centre. We have lost a great son of Sarawak who devoted his whole life to the rakyat ( people) even to his last breath. Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri

I am saddened by our Chief Minister’s passing. He was a father figure for all of us Sarawakians. He was so approachable and a very kindhearted leader. It had always been easy to discuss matters relating to work, to party or anything for that matter with him. Personally, I have been working closely with him especially in matters relating to law in the state. He would call me personally for matters of concern to the people especially to Sarawakians. I will surely miss him dearly, and like me, all Sarawakians would miss him dearly. May his soul rest in peace. Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah

When I received the news, I so wanted to believe that it was just rumours but I knew there was some truth in it because he had been sick. And even when he was sick, people were always in his thoughts. Welfare, education, devolution of power, eradication of poverty are some of the issues that were close to his heart. Three years as chief minister, people of all walks of life, be those from rural or urban areas, be those educated or not educated, we all appreciated him. And whatever legacies he left behind, we will continue to pursue them.