Opposition leaders hail Adenan as great leader, view his death as a great loss to Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR: The firmness and justice upheld by Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who died yesterday, is highly regarded not only by government leaders but also those in the opposition. Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin described Adenan as a leader who was decisive, just and people- oriented.

“I was shocked by the news of Adenan’s death. His passing is a great loss to the people of Sarawak and Malaysia,” he said in a statement.

PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul HadiAwangsaidAdenan’sdeathwas a great loss to the people of Sarawak which had been administered by a leader whom the people were most comfortable with.

“Adenan had shown a high level of commitment in championing the plight of the people and Sarawak since he helmed the state in March 2014. He had brought about many positive changes in developing Sarawak,” said Abdul Hadi, who is the MP for Marang.

The Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council said Sarawak had lost a leader who always placed the people’s interests above self.

It hailed Adenan as a leader who often voiced opinions in tandem with those of Pakatan Harapan.

“Adenan had done much for the people of Sarawak since becoming the elected representative in 1979 and had been a figure of federalism who lifted the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

“Adenan also fought for the rights of the people of Sarawak, including fiscal autonomy, and sought an increase of oil royalty to 20 per cent,” said a statement by the council comprising PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, DAP secretary- general Lim Guan Eng and Amanah president Mohamad Sabu.

Sabah Keadilan chairman Christina Liew remembered the late Chief Minister as a strong leader and source of inspiration to the two states of Borneo on the issue of rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

“On behalf of Parti Keadilan Sabah, I wish to express our utmost and heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Chief Minister,” she said. — Bernama