OBITUARY "The heartache when you scroll your Facebook timeline tonight is real. And it is all because of one very special man."

That was what appeared on my timeline as I scrolled down, reading tributes and messages about the late Sarawak chief minister Adenan Satem.

When the announcement of his passing was made public yesterday afternoon, Sarawakians from all walks of life recorded their tributes and their Facebook timeline and profile photos turned into shades of 'mourning' grey.

Adenan was famous with his rendition of Cliff Richard's 'Young Ones' - often used as his 'theme song' whenever he arrived for an event. During the last Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak in Kuala Lumpur, he serenaded the crowd with the golden hit song and did an encore with a popular Iban song, 'Biar Bekikis Bulu Betis'.

The fifth chief minister of Sarawak, Adenan passed away due to heart complications in Kuching yesterday afternoon.

In less than two weeks, he would have celebrated his 73rd birthday. Adenan would have also clocked his third year as the chief minister since he took the office in 2014.

He took over the post from his predecessor, Abdul Taib Mahmud, who helmed the state administration for 33 years since 1981. Taib is now the current state governor.

In just a short span of three years in service, Adenan made waves of changes in policies and politics in Sarawak.

To some fellow Sarawakians I spoke to as I penned this piece, he died fighting for Sarawak.

Many shared their memories in selfies and group photos taken with Adenan, reminiscing the times and how they looked up highly to the one they fondly refer to as Tok Nan. Outpourings of grief were felt from all, Sarawakians and fellow Malaysians.

Many Sarawakians were shocked and surprised by his sudden demise. A mild-mannered man, who was like a father figure and a grandfather to all.

A no-nonsense man

Adenan came along to be known as a friendly, simple and a humble politician with a stern looking face.

He was like an icon to many for his blunt and no-nonsense manner on issues pertaining to the state. At a gathering with Sarawakian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur I attended last October, he bluntly commented on the reversal of teaching of Science and Mathematics in English as 'stupid'.

Adenan hated protocol and even reprimanded one of his cabinet ministers for addressing him as 'beloved CM'. He was not fond of all the lengthy salutations and titles during official functions. He wanted to be simply addressed as 'CM' or 'Tok Nan'.

He commanded much respect from friends and foes, old and young. It is not just about saying the right things at the right time, but rather approaching matters and issues efficiently.

He was quick-witted and a smart politician - addressing many racial and religious issues openly and giving assurance to the people, particularly on the issue of 'Allah' among the Bahasa Malaysia speaking Christians in the state.

Adenan also announced that the hotly debated United Examinations Certificate (UEC) would be recognised by the state government despite objections from the federal counterparts.

Nevertheless, issues on freedom of religion, education, autonomy rights of the state, native customary rights (NCR) lands and oil royalty were among the top issues Adenan had to address during his short tenure.

Having said that, these issues are not new either and often brought up during state assembly debates. What was new was Adenan was taking these issues head-on, as part of his policy changes.

In a span of about three years, he has achieved much from his promises to change the policies in the state.

Adenan knew he had to face issues of perception and image, having to lead the state in the shadows of his predecessor Taib Mahmud.

During the last state election campaign, he said, “I am Adenan Satem, I am not ‘Pek Moh’ (white haired). I am Adenan Satem and I do not want Umno to come to Sarawak. I am Adenan Satem, and I keep my promises."

These words gave a strong message to the voters and contributed much for him to win in the election handsomely. Of course, the moves to 'demonise' West Malaysian-based parties and banning many opposition leaders from campaigning in the state also contributed partly to this win.

Breaking the traditional ways in politics

I was quite sceptical at first when Adenan was sworn in as the new chief minister, like many other political observers. How will he lead the state, with the strong influence of his predecessor in the state politics? What about the scandals and corruption?

Many questioned his capability but Adenan eventually led the Sarawak BN coalition to win 72 out of 82 seats in the last state election. When the 'Adenan Fever' swept over the state, he was well received by many voters and won the hearts of traditional opposition supporters.

It was a tough job to achieve, with the administration facing many allegations of poor governance, cronyism and rampant corruption. Facing great resistance within the system, Adenan still managed to get his policies in place during his short tenure.

Adenan broke the traditional ways of politics in the state and created his own legacy. Setting a new tone for his administration, he took up the mantle and started on a mission to re-establish the rights and autonomy for the state.

In his early days when he took over the helm of the state, Adenan invited politicians from opposition parties for a lunch. He also approved an allocation of RM1 million to assist the payment of medical fees for former state DAP chairperson, Wong Ho Leng, who was also the Bukit Assek assemblyperson.

Wong died on June 21, 2014, from brain tumour.

His simple humanitarian gesture for Wong struck an accord with many, raising eyebrows from political pundits. It was seen as an 'anomaly', but to many Sarawakians, the gesture showed much of his political maturity in reaching out to the members of opposition parties in the state.

For a septuagenarian to be actively involved in politics is an arduous task to shoulder, especially in the age of social media. Compared with many veteran politicians in Malaysia, I was quite amazed with his social media presence on Facebook.

Unlike his fellow camaraderie, Adenan's Facebook page was plain and simple. It looked very much like a grandfather's profile page.

"We must close the gap by putting the focus on rural development" is the welcoming message on his page.

What were among the posts and updates on his page? These are nothing special, with no fanfare. Photos and sharing of his visits to wet markets with his wife, having his bowl of Sarawak laksa at a stall at the Satok market and spending time with his grandchildren.

Adenan wrote this on his Facebook: "I felt disappointed to hear that when there was a recognition ceremony in the school, be it for academic achievement or co-curriculum activities, some parents were not there to witness or show their children support. Children can feel disappointed & remorseful throughout their whole life if their parents do not show them support, even though it is a very small achievement."

It was much less politicking, but more about his personal take on various issues in the society, written in simple language and some entirely in Bahasa Sarawak.

I once asked his private secretary, Wan Khalik Wan Muhammad, about the management of Adenan's Facebook page. Wan Khalik said Adenan wanted to engage the youth via social media and insisted on updating the posts at his own time and at his own pace.

That was his way of personal touch and engagement with the people that attracted many young Sarawakians to admire the 'Adenan Way' of leadership in the state.

I must say that Adenan was one classy politician with the media. A former journalist himself, he took on every question from reporters without hurling defensive remarks such as asking, "Which media are you from?"

Despite difficult questions thrown to him, Adenan took them in stride and he did not make any journalist feel threatened or uncomfortable at press conferences.

I had a chance to cover the state election and sitting near the chief minister, I observed him take on questions from reporters daily during election campaign week. He came in with high notes and cleared all without a hitch.

It never came to a time he answered any of the questions with a condescending tone to any of the reporters. Everyone was treated with respect. Much of Adenan’s gesture earned him the respect and admiration from media practitioners.

A big shoe to fill

When the news came about his passing, talk also rose about the next successor. Adenan had during the state election campaign asked voters to give him a chance to serve for a term.

He did not make it to full term, but he left with a big shoe to fill for the successor to continue his mission.

Adenan left a legacy, remembered by many for his wits, negotiation skills and the ability to lead despite all adversaries and challenges.

He made his way to negotiate better terms and powers for the state - these are among his unfinished business.

Putting political differences aside, Adenan's legacy has united the Sarawakians and reinvented a new mission - a sense of purpose of the Sarawakian pride. It is also a time to promote trans-partisan politics in the country.

It will be a long fight against the system, an on-going struggle to make Sarawak, as well as Malaysia, a better place for everyone.

"Oooh Haa, Youu Youu" - this is the phrase I will miss the most from Adenan. His jokes, witty ways of speaking off the cuff while looking aloof have touched the hearts of many.

So long and farewell Tok Nan! We will continue to build our own legacy for Sarawak, Ibu Pertiwiku.

NORMAN GOH is a member of the Malaysiakini Team.