KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has offered his deepest condolences to the family of the late Sarawak deputy chief Minister Tan Sri James Masing who passed away early Sunday (Oct 31) morning.

       "His passing is a great loss to Sarawak and the country. He was people-oriented, far-sighted and principled," he said in a statement on Sunday.

       He said the services and sacrifices of the late Masing for the people would always be remembered.

       "On behalf of the government and all Malaysians, I extend my condolences to the family of the deceased and wish them the strength and patience to face this sad moment," he said.

       Masing passed away at Normah Sarawak Medical Centre (NSMC), Petra Jaya here at 7.05am on Sunday morning aged 72.

       Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Abdullah Saidol confirmed his passing.

       Masing, who was also Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president, had been admitted the hospital on Sept 28 for Covid-19.