There were no immediate details available on the cause of his death, but the strongman in Sarawak politics is believed to have succumbed to Covid-19 complications, being first warded on Sept 28 after he tested positive for the virus.
He was admitted to the intensive care unit at Sarawak General Hospital and was later transferred to the Normah Sarawak Medical Centre for follow-up treatment.
The Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president is survived by his wife Corrine Masing and five children.
Masing, who had been Baleh assemblyman since 1983, started his political career when he joined the now defunct Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak before joining forces with several other leaders to set up PRS in 2004.
He joined the state Cabinet and served as tourism minister in 1996. Subsequently, he held three other portfolios after defending the Baleh state seat for eight consecutive terms, before being appointed Sarawak deputy chief minister on Jan 23, 2017.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Maimunah Iskandariah expressed their condolences to Masing’s family.
The royal couple hoped that his family would be patient and resilient during this difficult time.
They also described Masing’s passing as a great loss to the state of Sarawak.
“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.
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the death of Masing was a great loss to Sarawak and the country.
“He was a leader who had the people’s interests at heart. He was far-sighted and authoritative. His services and sacrifices will be remembered forever,” he said.
Former prime minister Najib Razak described Masing’s passing as a huge loss to Sarawakians.
“He was a leader who always had the rakyat’s interest at heart. He often submitted proposals to help smallholders and the commodities sector,” he said on Facebook.
Sarawak chief minister Abang Johari Openg described Masing’s death as a major loss to the state.
“Masing 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.
“I am deeply saddened by his passing. It’s a big loss to me as a friend. My condolences to his family,” said Abang Johari.
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