Masing's passing a big loss for Sarawak - Abang Jo
The death of Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister James Jemut Masing is a major loss to the state, said Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg.
Expressing his sadness over the death, Abang Johari said Masing’s passing had a big impact on him.
He said Masing had...
The death of Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister James Jemut Masing is a major loss to the state, said Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg.
Expressing his sadness over the death, Abang Johari said Masing’s passing had a big impact on him.
He said Masing had made immense contributions to Sarawak, including during his tenure in the current state cabinet.
“He was a partner in this government who contributed a lot to the state administration. I am deeply saddened by his passing. It’s a big loss to me as a friend. My condolences to his family,” said Abang Johari, who was visibly choking with emotion.
Masing had played an instrumental role in the rural development of Sarawak, especially for the Dayak community, he told reporters after launching the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation programme in Kampung Tengah in Trusan, Sri Aman, today.
Abang Johari said Masing was a leader close to the people who was very serious about championing their wellbeing.
Masing died at the Normah Sarawak Medical Centre (NSMC) in Petra Jaya, near Kuching, at about 7.05am today at the age of 72.
News of his death was confirmed by Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) secretary-general Janang Bungsu when contacted by Bernama.
Masing leaves behind his wife Corrine Masing and two children.
The PRS president was admitted to the intensive care unit of Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) in September after testing positive for Covid-19 before he was transferred to NSMC for further treatment.
Masing, an eight-term state assemblyperson for Baleh since 1983, entered active politics by joining the now-defunct Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) and then set up PRS in 2004 together with several other leaders.
He joined the state cabinet as tourism minister in 1996 before going on to hold three other portfolios. He was appointed deputy chief minister II on Jan 23, 2017.
- Bernama
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.