KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah have expressed condolences to the family of Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing who passed away yesterday.

       Their Majesties expressed sadness over the demise of Masing and hoped his family would be patient and resilient during this difficult time.

       Their Majesties also described Masing’s passing as a great loss.

       “Their Majesties greatly appreciate the devotion, service and sacrifice of the late Masing to the state of Sarawak,” according to a statement from Istana Negara posted on Facebook.

       Masing, who was Baleh assemblyman, died at the Normah Sarawak Medical Centre (NSMC) in Petra Jaya, Kuching, at 7.05am. He was 72.The Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president was admitted to the intensive care unit of the Sarawak General Hospital in September after he tested positive for Covid-19 and was later transferred to NSMC for follow-up treatment.

       Masing is survived by his wife Puan Sri Corrine Masing and five children.

       Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob also expressed his condolences.

       “On behalf of the government and all Malaysians, I hope Masing’s family would be given the strength and patience to face this bereavement. The demise of Masing is a great loss to Sarawak and the country.

       “The late Masing was a leader who had the people’s interests at heart, far-sighted and authoritative. His services and sacrifices will be remembered forever,” Ismail Sabri said in a statement.

       Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg meanwhile said the passing of Masing had a big impact on him.

       “He was a partner who contributed a lot to the state administration.

       “I am deeply saddened. It’s a big loss to me as a friend.

       “My condolences to his family,” said Abang Johari, who was visibly choked with emotion after launching Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation initiative in Kampung Tengah in Trusan, Lawas.

       Abang Johari said Masing had made immense contributions to Sarawak, including during his tenure in the current state Cabinet.

       “He played an instrumental role in the rural development of Sarawak, especially for the Dayak community.“Masing was a leader close to the people and who was very serious about championing their well-being,” he added.

       Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Eggah Embas said Masing had been the undisputed voice of the rural people, especially for the betterment of the Dayak community.

       “A strong and loud Dayak leader who always advocated for their meaningful participation in the government to empower the community. A longhouse boy from the interior of Baleh, who through education had made it to the top by sheer determination, dedication and sense of service to the rural community and Sarawakians as a whole,” he said in a statement.

       MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong also offered his condolences.

       “His passing is a great loss to the community and nation. Masing’s contributions and sacrifices for the community especially in Sarawak will surely be remembered. May his soul be showered with grace,” said Dr Wee in a Facebook post.

       Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who is Sarawak’s Batang Sadong MP, said the state had lost a great leader.

       Senior Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah hoped that Masing’s family would be patient and remain strong during this difficult time.