KUCHING. 2 Nov: Perceived as one of the most outstanding politicians in his generation, Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing’s departure left a significant void in the political arena of Sarawak.
Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth Chief, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, described Masing as irreplaceable, his absence leaving an enormous impact on the Dayak community.
He pointed out that Masing was a highly respected figure who had contributed immensely by voicing the peoples’ problems, especially those of the rural Dayak community.
“There is no replacement for him, but nevertheless, we must continue his legacy, his struggles, as that is what is important for us now.
“A father figure to us in PRS, he had fought till the end,” he told reporters when met after paying his respect together with youth leaders of the other component parties from the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
He noted that the young leaders really looked up to him as he had offered them guidance in politics and was regarded as a political compass for future generations.
Snowdan also said that the well wishes and continuous condolences extended from all corners of the state and across political divides showed that Sarawak had indeed lost a precious gem.
“I was told ‘If you cannot change the direction of the wind, you have to adjust yourself’, in which he likened politics to setting sail out at sea,” reminisced Snowdan. – TVS