By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Nov 2: The passing of late Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing caused Kuching city to run out of fresh flowers yesterday.
According to Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) deputy president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, some wreaths were late to arrive at Masing’s private residence at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee as florists in Kuching were short of fresh flowers to make wreaths.
“They (the florists) ran out of (fresh) flowers yesterday. They were supposed to send over the wreaths yesterday, but because they had run out of flowers, they had to wait for the flowers to arrive this morning and only then they could send over the wreaths,” Salang told DayakDaily when met at Masing’s residence earlier this evening.
Despite today being the third day since Masing’s passing, there were still many people seen arriving to either pay their last respects or attend the wake.
Those coming to pay their last respects were met by huge wreaths lining both sides of the walkway once they entered the compound of Masing’s private residence.
From the gate all the way to the backyard, and along the walkway around the house compound, fresh flower wreaths of various species of chrysanthemum, dahlia, calendula, marigold, daisy, carnation, rose and many others in yellow, white, orange, purple and red colours could be seen flanking the path.
“This is the first time I have seen so many wreaths in my life,” said one of Masing’s close friends who came to pay last respects.
If a flower is a sad goodbye, Masing’s residence is drowned in a sea of sorrowful farewells. — DayakDaily
