KUCHING: Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing was an unrelenting voice of the rural people, so his untimely passing is a loss, not only to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) but also to the Dayak as a whole.
“GPS lost a great leader while the Dayak lost someone who struggled for their betterment in all aspects,” said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah about the passing of Masing, who was Baleh assemblyman.
“With his strong, loud voice he always advocated for the meaningful participation of the Dayak in the government.
“It is with profound sadness that I received this very sad news first thing this morning,” Uggah said.
Masing, who was also the president of the Dayak-based Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) passed away at the Normah Medical Specialist Centre (NMSC) at 7.05am today (Oct 31).
He was admitted to the intensive care unit of the Sarawak General Hospital here in late September after he tested positive for Covid-19 and was later transferred to NSMC for follow-up treatment.
Uggah went on to say that Masing had been a great forward-thinking leader and had put the interests of the people above politics.
“This longhouse boy from the interior of Baleh, who through education, made it to the top in the state politics through sheer determination, dedication and sense of service to the rural community and Sarawakians as a whole.
“He had empowered them (the Dayaks) through the politics of consultation and mutual respect and meaningful participation in the government from the time of Barisan Nasional (BN) to GPS,” he added.
Uggah offered his condolences to his wife and family members and prayed that his soul would rest in eternal peace.
