By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, May 10: Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts of Sarawak Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew reminisced about his last interaction with the late Senate President Datuk Mutang Tagal.
Ting said that they had taken a photo together prior to Mutang’s departure to Kuala Lumpur (KL) for his appointment as the new Dewan Negara president on Feb 11.
Ting, along with a delegation of other ministers, bid farewell to Mutang at Miri airport the following day.
“On the day when we (ministers) heard he (Mutang) was appointed (as the new Dewan Negara president), I was with him in Miri,” said Ting when met with reporters at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) complex here today.
“I told him before you (are) sworn in, can I get a photo first, otherwise (it) will be difficult to look for you (next time).
“So I took a photo with him on the night before he flew to KL,” he said.
He had hoped for Mutang’s speedy recovery when he first heard of the latter’s physical condition, especially with Mutang’s visit to a foreign country.
“When we came back here, we were hopeful that he could get an operation and we prayed for him,” said Ting, “Now with his passing, we feel very said. Personally, myself because we were together in legal practice”.
Ting cited their 40 years of friendship as they both had been practicing law in Miri since 1984.
“On behalf of my party Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), we (would) like to convey (our) deepest condolences to (his) family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace,” Ting added.
Mutang passed away today at the age of 70, shortly after being hospitalised at the National Heart Institude (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur since May 6.
His passing was confirmed by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera (PBB) Vice President Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah when contacted by DayakDaily today. — DayakDaily
