KUCHING, Oct 31: Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing was a great forward-thinking leader who strived to put the people’s interests before politics, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah said the late Masing was a longhouse boy from the interior of Baleh, who through education, had made it to the top in the State’s political leadership by sheer determination, dedication, and sense of service to the rural community and Sarawakians as a whole.
As the undisputed voice of the rural populace, Masing had empowered the people especially rural folks through political consultation with mutual respect and meaningful participation in the State government from then Barisan Nasional (BN) to now Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“GPS has lost a great leader. The Dayak community has lost someone who had always been struggling for their betterment in all aspects, a strong, loud voice (that had) always been advocating for their meaningful participation in the government to empower them.
“It is with profound sadness that I came across the very sad news first thing this morning,” he lamented as he sent his deepest condolences to Masing’s wife and family members.
Masing passed away at 7.05am at the age of 72 this morning at Normah Sarawak Medical Centre due to complications from Covid-19. He tested positive for Covid-19 on Sept 28. — DayakDaily
