by Peter Sibon
KUCHING, July 10: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan expressed sadness over the passing of Datuk Seri Dr James Dawos Mamit whom he considered a close friend.
“His passing is a big loss for us because he had contributed significantly to the development of the state especially on environmental issues,” he told reporters after paying his last respects to the late Dawos at Stutong Indah this afternoon.
Awang Tengah, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president, described Dawos as a good politician who had carried out his responsibilities diligently.
“He had been a responsible politician since he entered politics in 1999,” he added.
Awang Tengah was accompanying Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to pay last respects to the late Dawos.
Abang Johari’s wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Utilities Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) president Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh and Sabati members were among those present.
Abang Johari and entourage spent about 15 minutes with the family of the late Dawos amidst his tight schedule.
Meanwhile, Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing described the passing of the late Datuk Seri Dr James Dawos Mamit was a great loss to the state and country.
“He was above all, a champion of Sarawakians. He cared deeply about preserving the uniqueness of his beloved home state, and its cultural treasures,” he said in a statement.
“Most of all, many have come to respect his untiring fight to defend Sarawak’s pristine environment for our future generations,” he added.
Tiong emphasised that Dawos’ contributions to his Mambong constituency as four-term member of Parliament (MP) will be well remembered by the people he has served.
The late Dawos, who suffered from nasal cancer over the past few years breathed his last at the age of 70 at his residence around 11.30pm on Monday.
Dawos left behing his wife Datin Sri Christine Dawung Narub, three sons and seven grandchildren.
His funeral is scheduled to be held at St Ann’s Church, Kota Padawan on Friday at 11am and thereafter, for his funeral service at Kampung Stabut, Padawan. — DayakDaily
