KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah acting president, Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said the nation mourns over the passing of Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.
He said Adenan would be fondly remembered for being vocal with his thoughts.
“He had proven to be the man of the hour and Sarawak was very privileged to have had him as Chief Minister. It’s a sad day for Malaysia. He will be missed. May his soul rest in peace,” Ongkili, who is also the Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister, said in the statement yesterday.
Ongkili recalled their last meeting during the Malaysia Day hosted by Sarawak last year, where he had described Adenan as a ‘strategic thinker and smart political craftsman’.
“He once told me that he was living on borrowed time from God, and that he had no other agenda but to see Sarawak develop better by tapping on the resources from the Federal Government. His quiet unassuming character and yet boldness and resilience in what he believed was right is a model for many young politicians to emulate,” he said.
Ongkili, who is also the Kota Marudu Member of Parliament, said Adenan was indeed a great defender of Sarawak’s rights and his heart was with the people of Sarawak.
He said as the chief minister, Adenan was sincere with his actions for the good of his people and that his leadership has been inspirational to many, including leaders in Sabah.
Meanwhile, United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) Acting President Datuk Seri Madius Tangau said the passing of Adenan is mourned not just by the people of Sarawak but also people in Sabah and Malaysia in general.
“It is a great loss. Sarawak has lost a very good leader, our deepest condolences to his family and people of Sarawak,” said Madius.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) said he met Adenan many times, even before his time in MostiI.
He said Adenan always came across as a fatherly figure and during the Sarawak State election last year, gave him (Madius) more opportunities to collaborate with Adenan and his Barisan Nasional machinery.
“Upko has lost a very dear friend and ally,” said Madius. —Bernama