KUCHING: Bidayuh community leaders yesterday praised the late Datuk Seri Dr James Dawos Mamit, the former Energy, Green Technology and Water deputy minister.
Dawos died at the age of 70 at his residence at Taman Stutong Indah here yesterday.
Temenggong Austin Dimin, in expressing his sadness, said Dawos, a former Puncak Borneo MP, served the people of his constituency with dedication.
“He worked very well with the Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri in P198 (Tarat, Mambong and Serumbu) to bring infrastructure and social development that we can see now.
“As a Bidayuh community leader, I wish to convey my deepest and heartfelt condolence to his family. May his soul rest in peace,” said Austin.
Biannah Association president Ahras Minah said he knew Dawos as a very friendly, helpful, humble and down-to-earth individual.
“I came to know him when we were both boarders at St Joseph Boarding House in 1966. No airs about him. A characteristic, I guess, of all those who are born and bred in a rural environment; where one is taught always to be humble, respectful and hard-working,” said Ahras.
He said the Biannah community, especially members of Persatuan Biannah, owed Dawos a lot as the latter was the one responsible for the building of Persatuan Biannah Hall, without the association making any official request.
“His only question was, ‘What’s your purpose of setting up Persatuan Biannah?”
Ahras described him as a man with a big heart. “I, on behalf of Persatuan Biannah, wish to extend our deepest condolence to his family and all his loved ones. May he rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, Biperoh Association Kuching (BAK) president Mangan Ngandok said: “A very dear friend gone forever to be with the Lord Jesus Christ.”
“On behalf of Biperoh Association Kuching, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family he left behind. I hope they have the patience and courage in the face of these trying times,” added Mangan.
Mangan said Dawos had always been a very dear friend, always ready to help in times of need, adding that the latter helped the association with the phase one of the Biperoh Centre.
