LAWAS, Oct 31: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has described the passing of Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing as a great loss to the Dayak and rural community as well as a leader who had contributed to the rural development in Sarawak.
He said Masing, who was Infrastructure and Ports Development Minister had contributed enormously to the State’s administration and had provided a few constructive ideas for Sarawak’s development during his tenure as Cabinet Minister under the leadership of former Chief Ministers Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Pehin Sri Adenan Satem as well as at present under his leadership.
“I am saddened by his passing this morning and it is a great loss.
“I, personally and my colleagues express my deepest condolences to the family of Tan Sri James Jemut Masing.
“He was a Cabinet Member who had contributed a lot especially to the rural community and the Dayak community,” he said when asked by reporters to comment on the passing of Masing after launching the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (Saluran) Internet connectivity project here today.
Abang Johari, who is Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman said Masing’s political party, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) which is a member of GPS coalition also shared the same policy of having a balanced policy for all races.
Abang Johari who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president also believed PRS will continue to have a good succession plan in place to continue his legacy.
“I am sure his party will continue with the way he conducted his politics as well as a person he was quite generous,” he added.
Meanwhile, Masing who was Baleh assemblyman passed away this morning due to complication of Covid-19 at the age of 72.
He was tested positive for Covid-19 on September 28, admitted to the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) and classified as a Cateogry 3 patient then. — DayakDaily
