Nation lost a capable leader: PM
Published on: Friday, January 13, 2017
Kuching: The country has lost a capable leader following the death of Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. He said for the people of Sarawak, the loss would be very strongly felt as Adenan was well-loved by Sarawakians. "Under his administration, many changes had taken place.
ADVERTISEMENT
"His decisions and targets made the people love him more, confidence in the Barisan Nasional government peaked. Last year the BN government won a landslide victory (in the Sarawak state election)," he told reporters.Earlier, Najib and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor had spent about 30 minutes to pay their last respects to Adenan at his residence in Damai Jaya, Santubong. Elaborating further, Najib said he had lost a close personal friend. "It is not just now but I have seen his career through easy and difficult times and I will remember him as a dear friend. For me and my wife, it's a loss that is very keenly felt," he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Najib said he conveyed condolence to Adenan's family on behalf of the Government and the people of Malaysia. The late Adenan, who died on Wednesday, was given a state funeral at the Samariang Muslim Cemetery, Thursday.
ADVERTISEMENT
The casket bearing Adenan's remains, which was wrapped with the state flag and carried by officers and men of the Malaysian Armed Forces and Royal Malaysia Police, arrived at the cemetery at 2.05pm.The Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Toh Puan Ragad Kurdi Taib, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor joined thousands of people for the funeral. Adenan's wife Puan Sri Jamilah Anu, family members and relatives were also at the cemetery. Adenan, who held the Chief Minister's post for almost three years, died at the Sarawak Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan near here from complications of heart disease at 1.24pm on Wednesday, 16 days short of his 73rd birthday. Federal and State Ministers, Menteris Besar and Chief Ministers, heads of Federal and State government departments, corporate leaders, representatives of associations and NGOs as well as thousands of members of the public also attended the funeral.Among the dignitaries were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein Onn, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Nancy Shukri and Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg.During the burial, Masjid Jamek Sarawak Chief Imam Ustaz Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi recited the "Talqin" while Adenan's children and grandchildren sat around the grave during the recital.After the recital, the head flag bearer then handed over the Sarawak flag as the highest honour of the State Government and people to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, who later presented it to Jamilah.Thereafter, Later Jamilah poured scented water on the grave of her husband, followed by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri and wife, Sultan of Brunei, Najib and wife.Adenan's children and grandchildren also poured scented water on his grave.The lying-in-state ceremony was held at the Sarawak Masjid Jamek, Petra Jaya earlier before the hearse carrying his casket made its way to the cemetery, located about two kilometres from the mosque.Members of the public lined up the two-km route to pay their lasts respects to the much-loved leader, who was fondly known as "Tok Nan".Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
