“He was my friend.”
The Parti Pesaka Bumiputra (PBB) lawmaker said he was devastated by the Adenan’s passing today.
An emotional Wan Junaidi told FMT that Adenan was a person who knew the challenges he faced, especially in politics.
“He always advised me to be patient, saying he, too, had his ups and downs in his political career.
“I told him that was the way of the world and that I would sink and swim with him.”
Wan Junaidi said Adenan was an avid reader, especially when it came to political history and Sarawak’s history.
“I, too, like to read up on history and politics.
“So sometimes, we would read a book and exchange views on all sorts of issues,” said Wan Junaidi, who is natural resources and environment minister.
He said Adenan was very knowledgeable about Sarawak’s political history and this was why he always went back to the issue of Malaysia’s formation.
“As a lawyer, he knew the constitution well.”
Wan Junaidi said Adenan was family and was related to his wife.
“His grandmother is the sister of my wife’s grandmother. But to me, he was my friend before he became my relative.
“I have lost someone I love and respect deeply. The state has lost a beloved leader.”
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri said Adenan was a very approachable and kind-hearted leader.
“It has always been easy to discuss matters relating to work, PBB or anything for that matter.”
She said Adenan would call her on various matters, especially those concerning Sarawakians.
“I will miss him dearly, and surely Sarawakians, too. May his soul rest in peace,” she said in a statement.
This afternoon, Adenan passed away from heart complications, just two weeks shy of his 73rd birthday.
Adenan, who led the Barisan Nasional to a resounding victory during the last Sarawak election, died at the Sarawak General Hospital Heart Centre in Samarahan, around 1.20pm.
He is survived by his wife, Jamilah Anu, and five children.