By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 1: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib paid their last respects to the late Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing at the latter’s residence in Jalan Ong Tiang Swee in Kuching today.
Speaking to reporters outside the residence, Taib expressed sadness over Masing’s passing, while paying tribute to him as a friend and a colleague.
Meanwhile, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) elected representatives who were present to pay their last respects to their late party president were Rural Electricity Assistant Minister-cum-Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang, Youth and Sports Assistant Minister-cum-Balai Ringin assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Native Laws and Customs Assistant Minister-cum-Kakus assemblyman Datuk John Sikie Tayai.
Also present today were Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president-cum-Local Government and Housing Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Community Wellbeing Assistant Minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, Layar assemblyman Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu and State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion.
The late Masing, 72, had passed away around 7.05am yesterday morning at Normah Sarawak Medical Centre, Kuching due to heart complications. His latest Covid-19 test result was found to be negative.
Born on March 5, 1949, Masing had served as Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak under the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and current Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg since May 2016.
He was also the Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development since 2016 until his demise.
Since 2004, he also helmed Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) as its founder and first president until his passing.
He had been Baleh assemblyman for eight consecutive terms since 1983.
He is survived by his wife, Puan Sri Dato Corrine Masing and two daughters and a son. He has two daughters from an earlier marriage. — DayakDaily
