KUCHING – Sarawak’s indigenous rights activists and community leaders mourned the passing of state leader and native icon Tan Sri James Jemut Masing as a great loss to the people, as he was an inspiration and guiding light on various issues.
Peter John Jaban, human rights activist and the co-founder of Saya Anak Sarawak, said: “It is always sad when Sarawak loses one of its sons. James Masing set a standard for Sarawakians and the Iban community in particular.
“Highly educated, he rose to be an important leader in our community. My thoughts go out to his family members at this time, especially so soon after the loss of his brother.
“I hope that his example will inspire more young people to pursue their studies and enter into politics to represent their communities,” he added.
Economist Madeline Berma extended deep sympathies to Masing’s family on behalf of herself and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, where she is a commissioner.
She hailed him as “an exceptional man”.
“He is the first Iban PhD holder and one of the most influential Iban political leaders,” she said.
“Coming from a longhouse in Kapit, a once landlocked division, Tan Sri saw the importance of unlocking the potentials of rural Dayaks through infrastructure development, particularly roads and bridges.
“He was a strong advocate of education. He saw the importance of education in breaking the vicious cycle of poverty among the Dayaks.”
Berma recalled that during her interactions with Masing, they often discussed the development of rural Sarawak and socio-economic advancement of the Dayak community.
“As his family, friends, and fellow politicians mourn his death, we as a community are lessened by his passing. His death has left a gaping hole among the ranks of Sarawak leaders.”
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.
Fearless leader’s untimely departure
Bidayuh community leader Peter Minos also described Masing’s death as a big loss to the state.
“The Dayaks will miss him a lot as he had always stood up for them,” he said. “He was not afraid to touch on contentious issues pertaining to the Dayak community.”
Minos added that Masing wore “big shoes” and PRS will find it hard to replace him.
“His death is very untimely as he had a lot more to contribute to the state,” Minos said.
Sarawak Dayak Iban Association president Sidi Munan said Masing had contributed a great deal to the Dayak community and always gave special attention to their cause.
“I knew him since PRS was formed after the deregistration of Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak in 2003. I handed over PRS to Masing’s leadership knowing very well that he would ably lead the party on. My deepest condolences to his family.”
Lakiput community elder Michael Ding said people had high hopes that Masing would recover from his Covid-19 infection as he was only in category 3 when he tested positive late last month.
He said the native communities were confident about it as Masing was given good medical attention in Sarawak General Hospital and later in a private specialist hospital.
“We heard Masing was already recovering from category 3, but apparently his condition deteriorated very quickly.
“To hear that he had died this morning is very unexpected. It is sad news for all natives in Sarawak,” Ding told The Vibes.
He said talk of the death of Masing started making their rounds early this morning. “Initially, we were sure it was only rumours. Then we heard there was confirmation from his party members,” said Ding.
Sarawak Dayak Iban Association chairman Richard Wil said the association and the late deputy chief minister had shared the same aspirations, stressing that the community has lost a key figure.
“We all fought for the interests of the Dayaks through our various platforms. We are saddened by his untimely passing,” he told local reporters here. – The Vibes, October 31, 2021
