KOTA KINABALU: The passing of Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem is a great loss felt not only by Sarawakians as leaders in Sabah joined in to mourn his demise.
A greatly respected and revered leader, many in Sabah established close rapport with him, said Deputy Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming.
“It’s a great loss not only for Sarawak. Many here have good relationship with him as well. His demise came as a truly devastating news,” he said.
Pang, who was yesterday met by reporters at the opening of Japan Week in City Mall, also said that the former Chief Minister’s successor will have a lot to live up to, and expressed the hope that whoever takes over can deliver for the betterment of the State.
“It’s not easy to fill his (Adenan’s) shoes, but we hope that his successor will be able to display equally capable leadership like the late Chief Minister did.
“He was a fair leader, impartial to religion, race or nationality. He treated everyone the same,” said Pang.
He went on to say that Adenan, who was fondly known as Tok Nan, defended all religions like his own, and in the short time he served as Chief Minister, had left behind a legacy that will live on in the next 10 and 20 years.
In relaying the influence of the late Tok Nan’s administration, Pang said: “He will surely be made a role model to whoever will replace him. He is what we want a Chief Minister to be. He’s going to be a benchmark for the rakyat to gauge the leadership of a person.”