Rep: Adenan a brave man and a man of principle
BINTULU: The demise of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem on Wednesday shocked all Sarawakians and is a huge loss to the state.
Several politicians, including those from the opposition, said Adenan’s passing would surely be greatly missed.
State DAP deputy chairman Chiew Chiu Sing said Adenan was a brave man, a man of principle and a staunch defender of parliamentary democracy.
“Tan Sri Adenan was a leader who believed in doing what was right, especially what was right for Sarawak. He was a great man and a man with a big heart for all,” he said when met yesterday.
Chiew, who is Tanjung Batu assemblyman, said even though he was the only opposition in the State Legislative Assembly at the start of the century, Adenan had always accepted openly the roles of the opposition in Sarawak.
“He even invited me to his ministry’s functions. Outside of DUN, he treated me as a friend and we would even play golf together.
“Later, when he became the chief minister he invited the whole opposition camp to lunch at the DUN.
“He did these (things) because he believed in doing what was right, just as he believed in good governance and the rights of Sarawak which he fought so hard for against the mighty federal system without fear. We all heard him loud and clear.”
He believed the fifth chief minister would be dearly missed and always be remembered as a true statesman.
“I am deeply saddened by the demise of Tan Sri Adenan Satem, the Chief Minister of Sarawak. My deepest condolences to his family and all his loved ones,” he added.
Samalaju assemblyman Majang Renggi also said the passing of Adenan still shocked him and Sarawak really lost a great leader.
“He was not only an excellent and dedicated leader who helped to lift up the standard of living of the rural folk and the poor, but above all, he was a human being with a big heart,” he said.
Adenan, he added, had never failed to champion the rights of Sarawakians as an equal partner in the federation of Malaysia.
President of Anaq Vaie Bintulu Association Pandi Suhaili meanwhile conveyed his deepest condolences to Datin Patingi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu and family.
“The demise of the late chief minister is deeply felt by people from all walks of life in Sarawak including those in Bintulu.
“The loss is irreplaceable. He was a leader who understood the aspirations of the people,” he said.
According to Pandi, during Adenan’s service as chief minister, he brought lots of change especially in his effort to develop the rural areas.
“His concern over the condition of schools in the state is an important step to upgrade the education infrastructure in Sarawak.”
Adenan’s courage in voicing and demanding the state’s rights and autonomy from the federal government, he added, would be remembered.
“And of course his efforts have to be continued by his successor. Adenan will be remembered as one who eagerly demanded that Petronas increase the oil and gas royalty for Sarawak. He was respected and admired by friends and foes alike,” said Pandi.