By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, June 6: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has announced plans to honour the contributions of Sarawak’s heroes by naming places after them, as a gesture of respect for their sacrifices to the State and country.
The Premier mentioned that the matter will be taken into consideration, as Sarawak is currently experiencing a development phase with the emergence of many new places.
“We take note of our other heroes, too. Several locations are being developed (in Sarawak), and there will undoubtedly be new places named after our heroes to commemorate their service,” Abang Johari told reporters when met after paying his final respects to the late Corporal (R) Etin Jam, a distinguished recipient of the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) medal, at the Kuching Civic Centre here today.
He also highlighted the late Etin’s significant contributions to Sarawak’s security, particularly during the period when the State faced a communist threat.
“We, the Sarawak government, extend our heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family. He (Etin) sets an example for the next generation to always protect our State and country,” Abang Johari added.
The remains of the late Etin were brought to the Kuching Civic Centre at approximately 1.05pm today.
Etin passed away at Miri Hospital on Tuesday (June 4) after a battle with lung cancer. He was 83.
Among the dignitaries present at Kuching Civic Centre to pay their last respects to the late Etin were Sarawak’s Head of State (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development (M-Ficord) Sarawak Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Datuk John Sikie Tayai, and Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
Members of the public wishing to pay their last respects to the late Etin can visit the Kuching Civic Centre from this evening until midnight, and tomorrow (June 7) at the Kuching Heroes’ Grave from 10am to 12 noon.
Following a funeral prayer at St Thomas Cathedral tomorrow, the late Etin will be laid to rest at the Heroes’ Grave. — DayakDaily
