Our late father was a firm believer in education and encouraged us to seek our own paths, say James Masing's children

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg leading members of the state Cabinet to pay their last respects to the late Tan Sri James Masing at his funeral in Kuching. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

KUCHING: The late Tan Sri James Masing was a loving father who cared deeply for his family and believed strongly in education.

Family was his joy and everything to him, his daughter Anna Sulan Masing said.

"He always wanted to know what we were up to. Most importantly, he always wanted to know if we were looking after each other," she said at Masing's funeral at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre here on Wednesday (Nov 3).

Masing, who was deputy chief minister and Parti Rakyat Sarawak president, passed away on Oct 31, leaving behind his wife Puan Sri Corrine Masing and five children.

Anna said her father was a strong believer in education and in constantly gaining knowledge, as seen in his political and work life.

"But I think it's best seen in the way he encouraged us kids to live our lives, to go out into the world and explore, to seek our own paths and to always have adventure," she said.

Another daughter, Rachel Lian Masing, said she would always remember her father's softness of heart.

"He never seemed to run out of patience to show us his love. He would call us each 'Sweetheart' and put his hand on our shoulder and bend his head to listen to what we were saying with so much interest, and would often respond with a chuckle," she said.

A third daughter, Karen Julan Masing, recalled that her father had quietly helped many families with their children's education.

"He applied for scholarships for them and supported them with financial aid, even out of his own pocket.

"There was no publicity because my dad did not believe in highlighting such personal contributions," she said.

At the funeral, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg led members of the state Cabinet to pay their last respects.

They were followed by other dignitaries and heads of department as well as members of the public.

Masing will be laid to rest at Nirvana Memorial Park in Siniawan near here on Wednesday (Nov 3) afternoon.