Deepest condolences to Sarawak state government and the family of Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem

Press Statement By Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng In Komtar, George Town On 11.1.2017.

The Penang state government expresses our deepest condolences to Sarawak state government and the family of Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who passed away today. The Penang state government is shocked by his sudden demise and we share the grief of many Sarawakians who admired his frankness and forthrightness.

Tan Sri Adenan will be remembered as one of the few Chief Ministers of Sarawak not embroiled in personal controversy or tainted by public scandal of corruption. In the few years I met him during the regular Conference of Rulers meetings, I found him to be humble, well-read, easily approachable and willing to engage.

Despite our political differences, we share a belief that there must be decentralization of power by respecting state rights and the inalienable right of local people to decide their own local affairs. Most importantly we uphold the Federation of Malaysia agreement, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, of the special rights and position of Sabah and Sarawak as one of the 3 entities together with Peninsular Malaya that founded Malaysia.

The struggle to treat all as Sarawakians and Malaysians not pendatang, respect for freedom of religious freedom for non-Muslims, the native customary land rights of native people and a 20% share of of oil royalties should be continued.

Rest in Peace Tan Sri, you have done your duty to all Sarawakians.

LIM GUAN ENG