KUCHING, Feb 27: Robert Pasang Alam, the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Lubok Antu in the 14th General Election last May, has passed away after battling stomach cancer.
The former Sabah state prosecution director died early this morning at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) surrounded by his family.
Born on May 17, 1966, the Lubok Antu native from Nanga San Panjai received his education at SMK Lutong, Miri, and went to read law at Universiti Malaya. Upon graduation in 1992 and completing his chambering, he joined the Malaysian Judicial and Legal Service in June 1993.
He also received his Master of Business and Administration (MBA) at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in 2006 and Master of Laws degree (majoring in prosecution) from the University of Wollongong, Australia, in 2009.
Robert had served in various capacities with the government in both the Judicial Office and Legal Department. He was a Senior Assistant Registrar of the High Court, Magistrate and Deputy Public Prosecutor-cum-Senior Federal Counsel.
In recognition for his illustrious services, he had been awarded the Judicial Excellent Service Award in 2000 and Prosecution Excellent Service Certificates in 2010 and 2015.
Prior to his illness, which he had sought treatment for since October last year, Robert was among the group of lawyers tasked to compile a list of all seized items from Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, the wife of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, following the 1MDB scandal.
“The late Robert’s health condition deteriorated since the beginning of Dec last year and he was admitted to the ICU at SGH. He was weak and skinny but still able to communicate with his family.
“At the time, his wife kept his condition a secret from the public. Not even close friends and fellow party members (from Parti Rakyat Sarawak or PRS) paid him a visit,” said PRS secretary-general Datuk Janang Bungsu.
Robert replaced incumbent Datuk William Nyalau Badak to contest in the Lubok Antu parliamentary seat under PRS. However, he lost to then independent candidate Jugah Muyang in a three-cornered fight, which included Nicholas Bawin of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
The funeral is expected to take place on Saturday, March 2. The wake will be held at his home at 1187, Lorong Stampin Tengah 10E1, Jalan Stampin Tengah here.
Robert is survived by his wife Jeniah Aja and two daughters, who are both engineers by profession. He was 52.
