KUCHING: Today marks the third anniversary of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem’s passing – Sarawak’s former chief minister and a leader very much loved and respected by the people.
Just mention ‘Tok Nan’ many would reminisce, fondly remembering him as a firm yet humble man of great calibre, with a clear vision for Sarawak.
He was sworn in as Sarawak’s fifth chief minister on February 28, 2014.
During his brief tenure, he contributed tremendously to the development of the state, forming policies that were important to the people.
One of the most significant of his efforts was fighting for Sarawak’s autonomy and the rights of its people as he spearheaded the process to regain what rightly belongs to the state.
The people of Sarawak, irrespective of race and religion, had placed much faith in Adenan as a compassionate and steadfast chief minister. Interestingly, he listened to their voices.
Unity was also something that he had emphasised for Sarawak’s multicultural people to uphold and safeguard as their pillar of strength.
As his famous quote goes, “Ini Sarawak punya olang, bisi Melayu, bisi orang Cina, bisi orang Dayak, bisi orang Bidayuh, duduk sama, minum sama, makan sama, carik amoi pun sama.” (“This is Sarawak’s people – there are Malays, Chinese, Dayak, Bidayuh – sit together, drink together, eat together, find partners together.”)
Adenan was born in Kuching in 1944. Before embarking on his political journey, he had worked as a journalist and teacher before going on to pursue law studies at the University of Adelaide, Australia.
