KUCHING, July 27: Datin Patinggi Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang led the Association of Wives of Ministers and Assistant Ministers of Sarawak (SABATI) to pay their last respects to the late Catherine Janet Tiwi, the 25-year old teacher who perished in fire at SK Batu Bungan, Mulu.
The chief minister’s wife arrived at the family’s home at Kampung Skio, Bau, at about 3.00pm and immediately sat with Catherine’s mother Wency Siemon for about 20 minutes. Accompanying her were Datin Amar Doreen Manyaing, the wife of deputy chief minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Apart from Juma’ani and other members of SABATI, Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching, Mas Gading MP Mordi Bimol, Pending Assemblywoman Violet Yong and a delegation representing Puncak Borneo MP Willie Mongin were present at the wake.
Also making their visit were members of Sarawak Teachers’ Bikers Club led by its treasurer Raden Amri Raden Othman, who presented donation from the club.
Minister of Housing and Local Government Zuraida Kamaruddin sent her condolences and directed the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department to assist the family in this time of hardship.
“Catherine Janet Tiwi should be seen as a role model of bravery for all of us. Her bravery and spirit will always be remembered by all Malaysians. May her family be patient during this time of hardship.
“I felt sad when I received the news of her passing, a teacher who had perished trying to help her friends,” Zuraida said.
Meanwhile, Catherine’s father, a veteran fireman Tiwi Nios said he saw Catherine’s education potential when she was just a child.
“I saw her potential in her studies because she was so eager to go to school and we actually sent her to go kindergarten when she was only 3 years old.
“Ever since then, she excelled in her studies. In fact, before her passing, she was doing her masters and was supposed to go to Kuala Lumpur to do her studies at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia on weekends, but she opted to join the course in Mulu.
“She has always wanted to be a teacher and I have given her the best to achieve her dream which she did,” said Tiwi. — DayakDaily
