Religious leaders pay tribute to Adenan
KUCHING: Religious leaders paid tribute to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem who passed away on Wednesday.
Association of Churches Sarawak (ACS) chairman Datuk Dr Justin Wan said Sarawak had lost a great son and leader who devoted most of his life to development, prosperity, fairness and justice for the people of Sarawak.
“You may be gone from our sight, but you are never gone from our hearts. You have planned and accomplished so much for the ‘ rakyat’ ( people) within a short of time and all Sarawakians in all fields and levels of society are indebted to you.
“In particular, you rose to popularity among all Sarawakians with your efforts to introduce 53 measures and policies and to reclaim state rights, winning our praise and prayers on your stand on religious freedom.”
Justin who is also Borneo Evangelical Mission ( BEM) president added that in particular, Christians in the state were grateful to Adenan for his support and contributions to the needs and affairs of the churches, the setting-up of the Non-Islamic Affairs Department and his stand against the Private Member’s Bill on amending the Criminal Jurisdiction Act 1965 (Act 355) which sought to expand the jurisdiction of the Syaria court.
“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved and respected by all segments of society and (across the) political divide beyond words and missed beyond measure.
“In this trying times, all the churches throughout Sarawak convey our deepest sympathy and condolences and offer our prayer for comfort, strength and blessings upon the grieving family.”
ACS secretary- general Elder Ambrose Linang said the association wished to put on record their heartfelt gratitude to Adenan for a few reasons.
“Firstly, the ‘Allah’ issue. It was because of his strong leadership that Christians in Sarawak can continue to use the word Allah in their worship.”
Linang said it was also Adenan who set up the Non-Islamic Affairs Department to look after the affairs of the interests of the Christians and other faiths.
“As proof that he is the Chief Minister for all Sarawakians, he attended Miri City Christmas Parade organised by ACS and Miri City Council on Dec 2015.
During the event, ACS Miri requested for a piece of land.
He responded by saying that he would look into that request in front of 40,000 people.
“In late 2016, ACS Miri received the approval documents for a piece of land for ACS Miri. ACS shall always remember that.”
Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Datuk John Ha said the Catholic Church in Sarawak received with deep sadness the news of the death of Adenan and extended heartfelt condolences to the late CM’s beloved wife, Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu and family.
“May the All Merciful God grant him eternal rest and reward him for his dedicated services to the State and Country.”
Anglican Diocese of Kuching Bishop Datuk Bolly Lapok said: “In him (Adenan), the Church found a sense of belonging never known before where our visibility and audibility, indeed where our presence, was appreciated.
“He brought about a situation where meaningful dialogue was possible. We have lost a dear friend.”
Sarawak Sikh Temple Association president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira described Adenan as a good man and leader whom all Sarawakians loved and respected.
“A great loss to the people of Sarawak. Hope that whoever takes his place will carry on with his vision and aspirations for our beloved state.”
Meanwhile, Bishop of Methodist Church in Malaysia Ong Hwai Teik called on churches to pray for the Lord to sovereignly intervene as they seek Him for a bold and righteous leader to take Adenan’s place and a peaceful transition.