KUCHING, Feb 27: Political leaders are mourning the loss of Robert Pasang Alam, a former Sabah state prosecution director who contested for Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) in the 14th General Election (GE14) last May.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing, who is also PRS president, described Robert as a good friend and honourable member of the country’s judiciary.
He deemed Robert’s passing as a big loss to the state’s legal system.
“I have lost a dear friend in Robert Pasang and Sarawak has lost a very good and honourable member of the judiciary. May God bless his soul,” Masing said in a short statement.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) senior vice-president Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, in a Facebook post, expressed shock upon hearing the news of Robert’s demise.
“I am shocked and saddened to hear the news of the passing of my good friend, Robert Pasang Alam. My deepest condolences to his family members. May he rest in peace,” the Petra Jaya MP wrote.
Robert, 52, passed away at the Sarawak General Hospital surrounded by his family at 1am today, after battling stomach cancer for several months.
He 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.
He replaced incumbent Datuk William Nyalau Badak to contest in the Lubok Antu parliamentary constituency in GE14 last May under the then Barisan Nasional government but lost in a three-cornered fight to then independent Jugah Muyang.
Another candidate was Nicholas Bawin of Parti Keadilan Rakyat.
Jugah was not surprise that Robert would be picked to contest in GE14, as the latter was known as someone who was very passionate when it came to improving the people’s well-being.
The Lubok MP, who is a relative of Robert whom he described as his best friend, said they always met up for get-togethers, while they were in Miri.
“We set up an organisation called PELAM (Persatuan Engkilili Lubok Antu Miri) to look after and take care of the people of Lubok Antu,” Jugah said when contacted.
Engkilili is a state constituency under the Lubok Antu parliamentary seat.
Meanwhile, Gagasan Anak Dayak Sarawak (GADS), in a Facebook post, said Robert’s passing will a big loss to the people of Sarawak.
The association pointed out that Robert was always close and friendly with its members and that his presence will be deeply missed.
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. — DayakDaily
