Riot reads a poem he dedicates to Adenan as (from right) Alim, Dahim, Runin and Ilus look on.
SERIAN: Heavy rain on Saturday night did not stop a crowd of 500 people led by Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem to hold a candlelight vigil in memory of former chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem.
The event called the ‘Light a Candle Programme’ held at Taman Komuniti Serian was organised by Bidayuh Artistes and Musicians Association (Bama).
Apart from Riot and Bama president Dr Alim Impera, others present included Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus, political secretary to the Human Resources Minister Major (R) Datuk Peter Runin and Serian Resident Dahim Nadot.
Riot, who is also six-term Serian MP, in his remarks said locals in Serian would never forget the late Adenan for one particular reason – the elevation of Serian from district into division status in April 2015.
He explained that if Adenan had not become chief minister, it was most unlikely that the elevation would have ever taken place.
“By giving Serian a division status, the late Adenan had left behind a legacy that will live forever.”
“In the elevation to division status, Tok Nan (pet name for late Adenan) has given to Serian people, especially the Bidayuh, who form the majority group, something that he will be remembered by for generations to come,” Riot said.
Riot proceeded to read out a poem he dedicated to the late Adenan that spoke, among other things, of a great leader who was courageous, decisive and had genuine love for the state and its people.
Earlier, Alim said Bama took the initiative in organising the candlelight memorial because of the late Adenan’s love for music.
“He sang even to his last days, and to us artistes and musicians, yes he died, but what he stands for lives on,” said Alim.