KUCHING: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib on Monday (Nov 1) paid their last respects to the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing at the latter’s residence at Jalan Datuk Ong Tiang Swee here.
The late deputy chief minister passed away at age 72 last Sunday morning. During the short visit at noon, members of Taib’s delegation also talked to Masing’s family members.
In recalling his memories of the late deputy chief minister, Taib expressed sadness over Masing’s demise, describing him as a sincere politician.
Also present to pay their last respects were Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) leaders including deputy president Datuk Joseph Sallang Gandum, Utilities (Rural Electricity) Assistant Minister and Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang, Youth and Sports Assistant Minister and Balai Ringin assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Native Laws and Customs Assistant Minister and Kakus assemblyman Datuk John Sikie Tayai.
Other dignitaries included Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president and Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri 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.
Masing, 72, succumbed to heart complications around 7.05am on Sunday morning at Normah Sarawak Medical Centre here. He is survived by his wife, Puan Seri Datuk Corrine Masing and four daughters and a son.
Masing, a former graduate of Victoria University, Australia, began participating in politics in 1983 when he was elected as the state representative for the Baleh Constituency.
Since then, Masing had held the state seat for nine terms. As a member of the State Cabinet, he left behind a legacy of rural development, especially for the Dayak community of Sarawak.
Meanwhile, more dignitaries will be paying their last respects to Masing at the Association of Churches in Sarawak, Jalan Stampin, off Jalan Laksamana tomorrow from 8.30am to 9.30am. This will be followed by a session for the public from 9.30am to 2.00pm.
His remains will be laid to rest at Nirvana Memorial Park in Bau.
