By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Sept 21: Serian MP Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem describes the late Datuk Frederick Bayoi Manggi, 77, as a kind person who had served his constituents well while he was their assemblyman (ADUN).
“I was among the first to pay last respect. My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the family. The late Datuk Frederick Bayoi will be greatly missed.
“His demise is a great loss to DUN Tarat and DUN Kedup where he served as its ADUN for five terms. He will be remembered for his kindness and warmth. May his soul rest in peace,” Riot told DayakDaily today.
Politics aside, Riot described Bayoi as a friendly person who gets along well with the people especially in Serian.
“In fact, after I contested against him for the Tarat seat in 1987, we have become good friends ever since,” recalled Riot, who has been Serian MP since 1990.
In the 1987 state election, Bayoi beat Riot, who stood as PBDS candidate, with 1,113 votes.
Bayoi was Tarat assemblyman for two terms before he switched to Kedup where he served for three terms.
However, before the last State election, Bayoi quit his party Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) to contest as an Independent but lost to BN direct candidate, John Ilus.
Meanwhile, Bayoi’s close aide Christopher Riih when contacted, said Bayoi died due to old age.
“He has fallen ill since the Movement Control Order (MCO) and has since became bedridden until his passing early this morning,” said Christopher.
Bayoi is survived by his wife Datin Diana Kapel and nine children; six from his previous marriages and three with Diana.
Bayoi will be buried at the Seventh-Day Adventists’ graveyard at Air Manis this Wednesday (Sept 23).-DayakDaily
