KUCHING: Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s visit to pay respect and console the family of the late Leading Seaman Joanna Felicia Rohna has been lauded as a great personal gesture from the Premier.
Abang Johari had just arrived from Poland on official duties and went directly to see and console the family of helicopter-crash victim Joanna at Kampung Engkeroh, Tebakang, Serian on Sunday.
“This was great of our Premier, showing his deepest sympathy and humility and true love for the people.
“Very commendable and much appreciated by the Bidayuh community, the late Joanna being a Bidayuh, (and the) gesture will be remembered for a long time,” said Bung Bratak Heritage Association chairman Datuk Peter Minos yesterday.
Minos, who is also Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman, noted that during the visit Abang Johari gave RM10,000 and promised free education up to tertiary level to the children of the late Joanna.
“Again this is a great and very commendable gesture.
“Not many leaders do such things. On a pedestal, many top people do not really bother about the small men and of their tragedies and problems they face,” he said.
For the record, Joanna, 26, was one of ten crew members who lost their lives in a collision between two helicopters during the 90th TLDM Fleet Parade rehearsal, held in conjunction with the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) Open Day at the Lumut Base in Perak on Apr 23.
She left behind her husband and two children, aged 4 and 1 year.
