KUCHING – Politicians from both sides of the political divide have expressed shock and disbelief, following news of the passing of Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Tan Sri James Jemut Masing early this morning.
Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) president Bobby William described Masing as a “great leader”.
He said the party members are saddened by his demise, noting that Masing was also co-founder of PBDS.
“We may have differences in politics, but our common goal was to fight for the rights of Dayaks, always. May his soul rest in peace. PBDS expresses its heartfelt condolences to his family,” Bobby said.
Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii described the news as “really upsetting and unsettling”.
“He was often known as a firm believer in multiculturalism and freedom of religion in our country.
“This is definitely a tough time for his family who has lost two members, including his brother, to Covid-19. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Yii said in his condolence message to The Vibes.
Masing died at about 7am today due to medical complications after having been infected with Covid-19.
The 72-year-old was the Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president and Baleh assemblyman at the time of his passing.
Sarawak People’s Aspiration Party president Lina Soo expressed her condolences to Masing’s family on their loss.
“The first time I met him, he was still in the opposition government with PBDS, having his office at Taman Sri Sarawak Mall,” she recalled.
Our group frequently went there for breakfast – he loved Sarawak laksa very much. He was always a friendly, soft-spoken, and caring person. Even though we were on opposite sides of the political fence in later years, on some occasions he had sent me private messages of support if he felt my press statements that he read held merit.”
Soo said her party is saddened by his demise.
“He was not just a politician – he was a dear friend to many of us, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” said Soo with an emoji of a lighted candle in her message.
Sarawak PKR information chief Abun Sui Anyit said although PKR and Masing were on different political ideologies, they were all still friendly on a personal level.
“This Covid-19 is a common enemy to all of us. We in Sarawak PKR feel sad. It is shocking to hear that his condition deteriorated so fast.
“Our heartfelt sympathy to his family and to his party, PRS,” he told The Vibes.
Abun – who is from the Belaga district in central Sarawak – said Masing’s state constituency of Baleh is near to his settlement.
“Our PKR members know many PRS members there in the Baleh area. Though we are from opposing political sides, we could still mingle as friends at weddings, festivals, and funerals,” he said.
Parti Sarawak Bersatu president and Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said despite their political differences and bickerings, he feels Masing’s untimely departure to be a great loss to Sarawak.
“Both my wife and I knew Masing from his student days in Form 6 as a bright student who excelled in academic pursuits with an outstanding leadership calibre.
“Indeed deservingly, he went on to become a successful politician, culminating in his position as deputy CM of Sarawak,” he said, expressing his condolences to Masing’s wife and family.
Leader in struggle for Dayak rights
Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan hailed Masing as a soft-spoken person, who was always a gentleman when dealing with opposition members of the state assembly during debates.
“He never lost his cool in debates and, as a senior politician, guided and gave us pointers on how the opposition should see issues and debate for the good of Sarawak when I was a member of the Sarawak legislature.”
He said the Dayak people needed him, and saw Masing as their paramount chief in protecting their rights and welfare.
“It is a sad day for all Dayaks who lost a leader of calibre. The people in Baleh and Rajang Basin will surely miss him. I sorely lost a friend.”
On another note, Voon said it is not wise for the Sarawak elections to be held during the Covid-19 pandemic, given what happened to Masing.
“We have not been able to control or wipe out Covid-19 since the imposition of the emergency, and we are fast losing ground to the disease.
“To hold elections now – as insisted by a few ministers in past weeks – would be disastrous because the spread of the virus would be very fast and uncontainable due to mobility of people going around during election campaigns.
“It is also unfair to the Dayak people because they are in a state of mourning for their paramount chief. They now have a vacuum to fill – the void left by Masing,” he said.
“PBK is with the family of the late Masing to mourn their loss, and we are also with the Dayaks who lost their paramount chief. PBK hopes a Dayak leader will be found soon to wear the shoes left by Masing,” he added.
Outspoken, faithful son of Sarawak
Michael Tiang – political secretary to CM Datuk Abang Johari Openg – said the state has lost an “anak Sarawak” and state leader, who fought for Sarawak’s special privileges and position in Malaysia with his much known outspoken boldness during his tenure as a statesman and deputy CM.
“He will also be remembered as a defender for harmony and solidarity in our multiracial, cultural, and religious Sarawakian community,” said the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) central youth section chairman.
When contacted, Datuk John Sikie Tayai – state assistant minister on native laws and customs – said Masing’s departure is a very big loss to PRS, especially now that the 12th state elections are getting closer.
I have known, and been together with him, since 1990. He was a leader who took care of us all and always listened to us.”
SUPP central women section chairman Kho Teck Wan said, “We lost a great leader and Sarawak lost a faithful son. I am deeply saddened. Thank you, Masing, for your leadership. You will be greatly missed,” she said.
Meanwhile, SUPP Youth central secretary general Milton Foo said: “We lost a great man and son of Sarawak. I was inspired by his perseverance and wisdom. I got to know him in person some time in 2014. He was a very down-to-earth and humble man, despite being a deputy CM since 2017. He taught me a lot in politics, and gave valuable advice and insights to me from time to time via WhatsApp.
Moreover, DAP MP for Lanang Alice Lau said in her message to The Vibes: “May his soul rest in peace. Covid-19 is not a joke. It’s not just a number (of deaths) that we are looking at every day, it is ‘life’.”
Michael Kong – special officer to state party chief Chong Chieng Jen – said, “No words can take away the pain of losing a loved one. We can only take solace that he is now with our Lord.” – The Vibes, October 31, 2021
Additional reporting by Stephen Then
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