Fluency in English is not a benchmark of intelligence. The sooner Malaysian politicians understand this, the better it is for them. The atrocious delivery of their speeches in English makes me cringe.
— Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing
It’s with great sadness that I learned of the passing of one of Sarawak’s great Iban leaders.
News of his passing came from De Facto Law Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar through a WhatsApp message yesterday morning around 7 something. I had just woken up but was still sleepy as I had a very late night.
Wan J’s message read: “Morning Rajah. I’ve some sad news. Sad news indeed. Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing has just passed away. We’ve lost a Sarawakian nationalist. Good friend, good listener and a fine man … God loves him more. May his soul rest in peace. Salam takziah to his family.”
I just couldn’t believe the message. I rubbed my eyes and shook my head. It can’t be, I thought; just a few days ago a friend had assured that “Tan Sri is okay. He’s stable. Please pray for his quick recovery.”
So, imagine how shocked I must have felt of his passing. Masing was one of the native leaders I held in high regard though on several occasions both of us didn’t see eye to eye on several issues.
He would message me or even call me up when he wasn’t pleased with what my papers wrote. This happened over a period of three decades or so when I was with the Borneo Post, The Star and now in the New Sarawak Tribune.
Sometimes he would complain straight to my bosses. But he was an extremely nice man and would invite me to have breakfast or lunch with him.
What endeared me to him was his straightforward nature. He didn’t mince his words. He was outspoken on many issues affecting the Dayak community, perhaps because he thought the interests of his community weighed heavily on his shoulders since his Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) happened to be the biggest Dayak-based party in the ruling coalition — back in the days of Barisan Nasional and now Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
I first met him in the 80s. I really can’t remember when, but he had granted me an interview. He had won the Baleh state in 1983 and started his political career when he joined Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS). He later formed PRS with several former PBDS members and leaders in 2004.
No, I didn’t interview him about his political career but on his educational achievements.
Masing, a Kapit Iban, obtained his first degree — a BA in education — from New Zealand in 1975. He went on to earn his MA in 1978 and PhD in anthropology in 1981 from the Australian National University.
He was the first from his community — and the first Sarawakian — to earn a doctorate in anthropology. He was very passionate when it came to the topic of origin, nature, and destiny of human beings.
At times during the interview, I couldn’t make heads or tails of what he was talking about as some of his explanations sounded technical. I was blaming myself for volunteering to interview him; should have sent someone else.
Anyway, to cut a long story short, when the write-up came out a few days later, my boss called me to his office to have a “cup of coffee”. I knew what it meant! And I was prepared for a lecture.
But I was surprised when I was told Masing was pleased with my write-up, but – well there’s always a but — he wasn’t too happy for not highlighting the fact he was the ‘first’ Iban and ‘first’ Sarawakian to obtain a doctorate in anthropology.
Phew! That was it and nothing serious that would have warranted my dismissal.
Masing was a man who would take the trouble to visit friends and journalists during festive occasions.
On several Diwali occasions, Masing would, through his personal assistants, make known in the eleventh hour of his intention to visit me and my family. I was indeed humbled by his visits. His last Diwali visit to my home was in 2018.
Talking about his outspoken nature. He was said to have strongly opposed any attempt by coalition (BN) leaders to nominate candidates on behalf of his party. He was of the view that no one knows better than the party president himself.
He was once quoted as saying that he “would rather die with my principles and integrity intact and speak the truth than live on bended knees.” That’s Masing for you.
Fellow columnist Francis Siah once wrote: “Well, I suppose a politician changes his priorities and views as he gets older and after having reached the top of his political career. The ambition has been achieved, so it’s okay now to take risks.”
Masing’s passing has left a gaping hole among the ranks of PRS leaders. Not many may come close to him; maybe Datuk Joseph Salang, the deputy president. It’s likely that he will helm PRS.
He announced that he would lead the party in the coming state election and after that would let the party decide who the president should be.
Sarawak and the nation have lost a powerful leader and an Iban warrior.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has described his death as a major loss to the state:
“Masing had made immense contributions to Sarawak, including during his tenure in the current state Cabinet. He had played an instrumental role in the rural development of Sarawak, especially for the Dayak community. I am deeply saddened by his passing. It’s a big loss to me as a friend.”
Rest in peace, Sir.
