Tributes pour in from PM and other leaders

PETALING JAYA: The death of Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem is a big loss not just for Sarawak but all of Malaysia, said leaders from Barisan Nasional.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the country had lost a capable leader who had made huge contributions to the state.

“His contributions to Sarawak and its people have been momentous, and Malaysia has lost a leader of high calibre.

“My condolences to his family. May his soul be blessed,” the Prime Minister and Barisan chairman posted on his Twitter account.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also expressed his condolences on social media.

“Condolences to Puan Sri Jamilah on the passing of Tan Sri Adenan Satem. May his soul be placed among the righteous,” he said.

MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai expressed sorrow at Adenan’s passing, saying the country has lost a leader who was a great advocate of multiculturalism and unity.

“There can be no greater testament to his capabilities than the great progress Sarawak has made, as well as the support he won from the rakyat of Sarawak.

“He has long been a role model that all of us in Barisan Nasional should strive to emulate,” Liow said in a statement.

Liow said he was honoured to have had the chance to work with Adenan who was a great leader, statesman and political icon.

“Condolences to Puan Sri Jamilah and family, as well as all the people in Sarawak on the passing of Tan Sri Adenan Satem,” said Liow.

MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong remembered Adenan as a politician who kept his promise to promote Chinese education, which was one of the reasons behind Barisan’s landslide victory in last year’s state election.

“I am honoured to have met Tan Sri Adenan several times. The first was at his official residence in 2014, thereafter at his office and in Sibu.

“He was a good listener but when in doubt, he asked questions.

This perhaps best explained his popularity among the people in Sarawak,” said Dr Wee in a Facebook post.

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Subramaniam said he was saddened by the sudden demise of Adenan.

SPDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said Adenan’s passing was a loss for Sarawak and Barisan.

Gerakan president Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong said Adenan was well-loved and respected by the people.