KUCHING, Oct 31: Prime Minister Dato Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and a number of political leaders from Peninsular Malaysia have expressed their condolences to the family of the late Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing who passed away this morning.
Ismail Sabri said Masing was a credible, visionary and people-centric leader.
The prime minister added, the contribution and sacrifices of Masing who was Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president will always be remembered.
“I represent the government and Malaysians to express our deepest condolences to his family and may his family be granted strength and patience to endure this difficult time.
“His passing is a great loss to Sarawak and the entire nation,” he said in a press statement today.
Besides, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong have also offered their condolences.
Najib said, “Condolences to the family of Tan Sri James Masing, Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak who passed away.
“A big loss to Sarawakians. A people-centric leader.
“During my time I have known him, many proposals were presented to assist smallholders and the commodity sector in Sarawak.
“May his family stay strong in this difficult time,” Najib said in a Facebook posting upon learning Masing’s demise earlier today.
Hishammuddin said, “Sad to receive the news on the passing of Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. James Masing this morning.
“Condolences to his family members and friends,” he said on his Facebook today.
Apart from that, Wee who is Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) president also posted on his social media page and said, “Got the sad news about the passing of Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing this morning.
“His passing is a great loss to the people and country. His contribution and sacrifices for the people and the country especially in Sarawak will always be remembered.
“Condolence to his family members. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Meanwhile, Masing, 72, passed away at the Normah Specialist Medical Centre at 7:05 am this morning due to complication of Covid-19.
He was tested positive for Covid-19 on September 28 and was admitted to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) for treatment under Category Three of the coronavirus. — DayakDaily
