KOTA KINABALU: The late Tan Sri James Masing, who passed away Sunday (Oct 31) morning, brought about great improvement to the lives of Malaysians throughout his time of service, says Upko president Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.

       In a statement expressing his condolences, Tangau described the death of the Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister, whom he had known since 1988 during their time as researchers at the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) Sabah, as a big loss.

       “He (Masing) was indeed a close friend of mine.

       “He was an eminent leader, a respected veteran politician, and a friend to many during his three-decade-long career, serving in three ministries and as Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak.

       “His passing is truly a great loss to the people of Sarawak and the nation and the Dayak in particular,” said Tangau.