News of Adenan’s passing shocks
SARIKEI: News of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s passing yesterday came as a big shock to the people here.
Many initially regarded the piece of news as a rumour which is common in social media these days.
They only started to accept the news when it was announced in the afternoon news by TV channels.
Several people interviewed expressed their shock and sadness on learning of Adenan’s passing.
Businessman Hereward Gramong described Adenan’s passing as a sad day for all Sarawakians.
“We have lost a great leader who dedicated his life to bring development to the state. The loss is very much felt by rural folks as Adenan accorded very special attention to prospering rural areas as reflected in the state government’s rural transformation programme ( RTP),” he said.
Adenan was instrumental in strengthening unity among Sarawakians of various races, hence he was regarded as a ‘pull’ factor in bringing back the local Chinese community to the Barisan Nasional ( BN) fold, he added.
He hoped Adenan’s successor would carry on his great legacy and policy to make Sarawak the most developed state in Malaysia and maintain unity among BN component parties.
Hereward is also Parti Rakyat Sarawak ( PRS) vice-youth chief and former Sarikei District Council (SDC) councillor.
A committee member of SUPP Sarikei Women Section, Wong Ling Hung, 32, was tearful when asked for her comment.
Adenan had kept his words as a chief minister for all Sarawakians and he cared for all irrespective of race or religion, she said.
To the Chinese, Adenan would be remembered for his fair treatment as testified in the big allocation he set aside for Chinese education and the recognition of United Examination Certificate ( UEC).