Kelabits in mourning for Adenan, their Maran Ribed
MIRI: The Kelabit community is mourning the sudden passing of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem who is known as Maran Ribed to them, and will wear black for seven days.
State Legislative Assembly ( DUN) deputy speaker and Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala was in Bario when news reached him on Wednesday afternoon, and he took the first flight out yesterday to Miri en route to Kuching to pay his last respects.
“We have lost one of our greatest leaders and a true son of Sarawak who was a beacon of hope for a just, fair and progressive society, not only for Sarawakians but also Malaysians as a whole.
“He was loved and highly respected by the people and at the same time a true friend to many across the whole strata of society because the people trusted and believed him,” he told The Borneo Post.
The entire Kelabit community have asked him to convey their deepest condolence to Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu and her family as they grieve over his passing.
“Farewell to one of our finest and greatest leaders and a true friend of the rakyat, including myself. We will truly miss you, Tok Nan,” he said.
Over the years, Adenan had frequently visited Bario and endeared himself to the Kelabit community where he was honoured and fondly known among the community as Maran Ribed, meaning “our fine and handsome noble” in their language.
Gerawat said the late Chief Minister was an honest and courageous leader who walked his talk to champion the people’s and State’s cause, and the people trusted and loved him and his leadership style.
“We thank God for giving us such a great and highly respected leader who has left us with a great legacy. He may have gone but his legacy lives in us,” he said.
Gerawat said the journey has begun for the state and its people will continue it in memory of the late Adenan.
Meanwhile, councillor John Terawe said he was personally shell- shocked and saddened to learn of the news, and the community has decided to wear black for the next seven days in respect of the late Maran Ribed.
Extending his condolences to the family, he said the state has lost a statesman who loved the Kelabit community and Sarawak, and his leadership would be missed.
Meanwhile, Dr Roland Dom Mattu also lamented Adenan’s passing, saying Adenan was a chief minister and a leader who dared to be different and would listen to everyone.
“He was diligent in his leadership and put Sarawakians’ interests before everything else including himself,” he said.
Dr Roland, an obstetrician, gynaecologist and chief of medical services of Columbia Asia Hospital, was a founding member of Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party ( SPDP) from which he later resigned in protest to contest as an independent candidate against the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Gerawat for Mulu constituency in the last state election.
The late Adenan specifically intended Mulu to be represented by a Kelabit in the DUN, and lawyer Gerawat was subsequently appointed as DUN Deputy Speaker, creating history for the community.