Famous sons and daughters of Sarawak miss him

Tears flow freely: Adenan’s relatives crying openly during the funeral in Kuching.

PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s legacy is a high benchmark for a leader and statesman for the concept of 1Malaysia, said Pemandu CEO Datuk Seri Idris Jala.

“Because of his strong convictions, he was able to speak out. At the same time, Adenan was a diplomatic person,” he said.

Jala recalled an emotional moment when Adenan connected deeply with the people during a visit to his village in Bario in July 2015.

“He knew that the Kelabit are devout Christians. He said blessed are the poor and the meek because they will inherit the earth. And blessed are the peacemakers because they are the sons of God,” Jala said in an interview with news channel Astro Awani.

Although Adenan was a devout Muslim, he knew how to touch the hearts and minds of all people, he said.

Jala added that the Kelabit regarded Adenan as one of them, giving him the title of Maren Ribet, which means Most Handsome Nobleman.

Although Adenan was a leader, he was also a “common man” whose more important legacies included state policies that uplifted the poor, especially those in the rural areas.

“I have no doubt all Sarawakians are mourning the death of Adenan. And it’s very befitting that the whole of Sarawak goes through a seven-day mourning period because we really lost a friend, father figure, a leader and a statesman,” said Jala.

Singer Zee Avi, who has made a name for herself in the United States, said she was heartbroken on hearing the news of the passing of one of her heroes.

“A great leader who gave Sarawakians a voice, hope and confidence that was much needed to be restored,” she said, adding that she received news of his passing at 1.50am on Wednesday in New York.

“I never got to meet him. Though I am far away from my beautiful land, I hear of news and stories of this man’s courage, strength and brilliance, which made me very happy to know that we were guided by an enlightened man,” she said, thanking Adenan’s family for “sharing” him with the rakyat.

National diver Pandelela Rinong posted a black-and-white picture of Adenan on her Instagram and Facebook.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Sarawak’s great leader, our beloved Chief Minister YAB Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s passing. My deepest condolences to his family. May your soul rest in peace, sir,” she wrote.

She later tweeted: “Sleepless night.”