SIBU: Former deputy Information, Communications and Culture minister Datuk Joseph Salang will be the acting president of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) following the passing of president Tan Sri James Masing.

       When contacted on Sunday (Oct 31), Salang – who was the party's deputy president - said he will assume the role of the acting president until the party formed a new committee at its annual general meeting.

       "Our supreme council will decide when to hold the AGM but it will be after the state election. In the meantime, as the deputy president, I will take charge," he said.

       Salang said he got to know Masing over 40 years ago when both began their political careers in the late 1970s.

       "He is the first Dayak degree holder from Australia. He was a great leader, especially for the Dayak community and was very concerned about its welfare,” said Salang.

       Salang said Masing always believed that the Dayak must receive an education so they would not remain farmers.

       He said that the last time he spoke to Masing was on September 28 when he (Masing) was admitted to Sarawak General Hospital after getting Covid-19.

       "After that, I could no longer communicate with him. He was under intubation from Oct 10 onwards. Yesterday (Oct 30) morning, he was still on oxygen support and was conscious when his wife was next to him," he said.

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