Desa Senadin Muslims grateful for Adenan’s contributions

MIRI: The Muslim community in Desa Senadin owe a lot to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, as he approved the plot of land for Surau Abu Bakar Assidiq, which is now under construction.

Surau building secretary Mohamad Abdullah explained that the surau committee met with Adenan last year, during the Sejiwa Senada event here, to appeal for the land.

“The Muslims were happy with his announcement, after the last 15 years there with no surau or mosque, but was given immediately by Tok Nan,” he said yesterday.

“We the Muslim community in Desa Senadin are saddened by the demise of our beloved Chief Minister Tok Nan and hope his wife and family members abide by God’s will.”

Mohamad added that Adenan showed his concern not only to the Muslim community, but also other religions and races in Sarawak.

For Desa Senadin resident Saiful Bahari, Adenan’s passing was a great shock.

“I can’t find the words to describe my sadness, but we have to accept that God Almighty has his plans for everyone, and I pray for the best Chief Minister so far,” he said.

Saiful added that Desa Senadin Muslims will remember Adenan’s good deeds by naming the new surau after him.

Penghulu Samion Gani said Adenan frequently visited Miri and Sibuti for various events.

“We will not have another Chief Minister like Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who walked the talk and fulfilled the needs of all communities including the Dayak and the Chinese in Sarawak,” he said.

“Adenan was a simple man and liked to be addressed simply as Tok Nan or CM. The people were overjoyed whenever he gave his speeches.”

Ketua Kaum Raamah Hamdan said Adenan would be greatly missed by Sarawakians because he was a humble man with a noble heart. She said Adenan was a simple man, but a visionary leader who wanted to develop Sarawak and fought for the interests of the state.

“Al-Fatihah. We miss you, Tok Nan, and may you rest in peace,” she said.

Meanwhile, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau proposed the state government name the Long Lama bridge after Adenan.

Dennis said as a result of Adenan’s pragmatic leadership, Telang Usan constituency’s long outstanding request for a bridge was approved.

“YB Dato Sri Michael Manyin, then Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication brought me to highlight my request for the bridge to be built.

Without much question, he told the minister to bring it up in the cabinet meeting. The rest is history,” Dennis recalled.

He added that Adenan chose to go to Long Lama in July last year to carry out the official earth breaking ceremony for the bridge project.