Mawan describes late CM as ‘practical and down-to-earth’ person
KUCHING: Saratok MP Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom paid tribute to the late Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, describing him as a ‘practical and down-to- earth’ person.
Mawan who is also Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) president said he could count on the late Adenan as a friend, leader and Chief Minister.
The late Adenan not only walked the talk but also wanted people in his team to display team spirit, said Mawan who is also Pakan assemblyman.
“He was very down to earth. He was consultative enough in making decisions via consensus. In any decision that he made as Chief Minister, he was fair and major decisions cut across all barriers or fair to every strata of the society. I will remember him in that regard,” he said.
“I wish to convey mine and also on behalf of my family and SDNU, deepest condolences to family members who survived him, particularly to his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu and their children,” Mawan said.
Adenan was given the honour by Mawan and family to grace his ( Mawan) “Reflection – A journey of hope, aspiration and perseverance” book launch on Sept 21 last year at a hotel here where they also sang along with evergreen Malaysian singer Datuk DJ Dave, delighting the audience with Cliff Richard’s hit song ‘ The Young Ones’.
As Adenan’s hobbies are almost similar with his, this would make it easier to remember him, Mawan added.
Like Mawan, Adenan too loved writing, reading, singing and golfing. He would also like to remember Adenan as his golfing buddy.
Mawan also said Adenan was among those few personalities instrumental in encouraging him into joining politics. Mawan entered the political arena when he was in his 20s.
Meanwhile Yayasan 1Malaysia board member of trustees Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said Adenan was a moderate leader and was very focussed on matters related to unity in diversity.
His demise is a big loss to Sarawak, Lee pointed out.
“For over two years, he had steered Sarawak into a better place in terms of development. Even Kuching was adjudged by Yayasan 1Malaysia as Unity City. Kuching is the first city to achieve such status in Malaysia,” Lee said adding that he thanked the late Adenan for his support in the initiative of making Kuching a Unity City.
Lee believed most Malaysians regardless of race and religion would feel the great loss in Adenan’s passing on Wednesday.
Both Mawan and Lee believed that Adenan, 72, would be sorely missed because of his moderate approach in handling issues concerning race and religion.