By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 1: The late Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing had always believed that education could transform the lives of the Dayak community.
Layar assemblyman-cum-Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth chief Gerald Rentap Jabu said the late Masing always emphasised that only with education will the Dayaks be able to improve themselves and change the world.
“Until his last breath, the late Masing was always thinking about developing the (Dayak) community and how to improve connectivity especially in the rural areas.
“His legacy will live on and we should continue to ensure that the good things he brought about must be considered by the government,” he told reporters after paying his last respects to the late Masing at the latter’s residence in Kuching today.
Rentap also said he has known Masing for over 30 years since the first time Masing contested in the State election in 1983.
“Despite being embroiled in the 1987 Ming Court Affair, the late Masing was never an enemy and we (PBB) respected that he stood for his rights and opinions especially on fighting for the Dayak community,” he added.
At the same time, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Women chief Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodie recalled serving the late party president since 1985.
She described Masing as humble, approachable and a visionary leader whom she was comfortable working with, because there was no barrier when it came to Masing as the leader of the party.
“He always told me that whatever it is, we have to move on. Whatever we do for PRS, the people, we must always think of those in rural areas.
“He said whatever we do, we have to bring development and progression to make sure those who live in rural areas are able to be brought into mainstream development,” she said. — DayakDaily
