KUCHING: The late Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem (fondly referred to as Tok Nan by those close to him) had indeed left a legacy that must be appreciated and remembered by Sarawakians, said Batu Kitang assemblyman, Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Speaking to Sarawak Tribune after putting a wreath at Adenan’s tombstone at Semariang Muslim cemetery yesterday afternoon on the second anniversary of his death, Dr Sim said he always feels sad whenever he thinks of Tok Nan.
Remembering the “man of few words”, he said Tok Nan always proved what he wanted to do through actions especially fighting fearlessly for Sarawak’s autonomy.
“Although he was Chief Minister for a short time, Tok nan achieved so much for Sarawak. His passion for Sarawakians regardless of their ethnicities and religions had made its mark,” he said.
“Remember Sarawak Indepen-dence Day? He ensured that it is recognised by everyone. Then there is the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) which the federal government refused to officially recognize. Adenan had it endorsed in a day.
“The word ‘Others’ which refers to Dayaks in official government forms was abolished by him. He did the same to tolls on bridges. He made English the second official language of Sarawak, and non-Muslims were allowed to use the word ‘Allah’ for God. These are just a few things to remember him by.”
Dr Sim still remembers that when he did his routine check on Adenan, the then Chief Minister always wanted to know if he had eaten and he would worry about Sarawak.
Work was always on his mind, he said.
Tok Nan passed away on January 11, 2017. He was the first Chief Minister to die in office.
Dr Sim noted that it is a good thing that current Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has wisely opted to continue Tok Nan’s good work of striving for Sarawak’s autonomy.
He, therefore, believes that Sarawak is in good hands and as such he asked everyone to support Johari.
