Thousands bid farewell to Tok Nan

KUCHING: Thousands thronged the Samariang Muslim Cemetery at Jalan Sultan Tengah here to pay their last respects to the late Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem as he was laid to rest yesterday.

Heading the dignitaries who came to pay tribute to the late Adenan were Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wi fe Toh Puan Raghad Kurdi Taib, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Others included chief ministers from several states, federal and state ministers, assistant ministers and federal and state lawmakers.

Adenan’s remains arrived at the cemetery at 2.04pm after Zuhur prayers at Masjid Jamek. Acting state Imam Ustaz Mustafa Kamal performed the burial rites and led the talqin prayer after the burial was completed.

Taib, who represented the state government, later handed a state f lag to Adenan’s widow Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, who represented her family. The f lag is a symbol of highest order and respect by the state government to recognise Adenan’s service to the state and country during his lifetime.

Sadness was in the air as some were seen weeping as they watched Jamilah poured scented water and scattered flowers on Adenan’s grave. Her family members were also seen in tears as they performed the ceremony.

Also performing the ceremony were Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Taib, Raghad, Najib and Rosmah.

Adenan, who was 72, leaves behind Jami lah and f ive chi ldren. He succumbed to heart ailments at the Kota Samarahan Heart Centre on Wednesday.