KUCHING: Sarawakians were left stunned over news on the passing of their beloved Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem today.
“He left us too soon,” said Zaibennisa Yakut Alikhan, a trader at the Kubah Ria market.
“I was completely shocked and speechless when I heard the news from my family members, who sent the message via our WhatsApp group chat.
“At first, I could not believe it but the news of his passing was also announced on the radio.
"We have lost a good leader. Tok Nan had done so much for Sarawak. Thank you so much Tok Nan," said the 42-year-old.
Chong Yang Hui, 65, was unable to control his emotions when speaking about Adenan, and said he wept when he was told the news from his wife.
Adenan, said Chong, was a people-centric leader and had contributed immensely towards the state and its people, especially on racial harmony.
“He stood up and fought for it. His aggressive and powerful attitude made us love him even more.
“My deepest condolences to his family members. Rest in peace, Tok Nan,” he said.
Mohd Fauzie, an ‘ikan terubok masin’ seller, said he was devastated upon hearing the news from friends.
He described Adenan as a kind-hearted leader who always had time for the welfare of Sarawakians, despite his busy schedule.
“Tok Nan was a great man. Because of him, we live in a very harmonious state.
“He helped us a lot. Al-Fatihah," said the 30-year-old.
Social media was also flooded with heartfelt messages of condolences from the people to Adenan's family.
“The gloomy weather seems to understand that a kind-hearted person, who has brought a lot of changes to Sarawak, has left us. May his soul rest in peace; thank you so much for everything that you have done for us,” posted Dyeanna Tracy on her social media account.
Adenan passed away at 1.24pm today at the Kota Samarahan Heart Centre. He was 72-years-old.