Adenan a leader with integrity - MACC

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) regards the late Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem as a leader with integrity who proved this through his leadership.

"The late Adenan was known as a leader with integrity and had shown his seriousness in raising awareness and in preventing corruption through his leadership," said MACC chief commissioner, Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad in a statement, here, Wednesday.

On behalf of the MACC, Dzulkifli said all in the commission conveyed their condolences to the family of Adenan, a great, people-oriented political figure.

Adenan, 72, passed away about 1.20pm today at the Sarawak Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan, Kuching.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Yayasan 1Malaysia, Dr Chandra Muzaffar said Adenan would be remembered as a sincere advocate of Sarawak's rights and a courageous champion of Malaysian unity.

"He was an ardent believer in inclusiveness and was an uncompromising opponent of bigotry and chauvinism."

Chandra said Adenan emphasised equitable development but believed that development, however, could not be divorced from integrity.

Hence, he said, Adenan took some concrete measures to ensure that corruption and the abuse of power were curbed and controlled.

"His struggle to enhance integrity like his attempt to promote more equitable development and to strengthen Sarawak's autonomy within the framework of a united, harmonious Malaysian nation were part of an ongoing agenda.

"He did not accomplish his mission. Much more remains to be done. One hopes that his successor will continue to pursue the goals that Adenan had set," Chandra said.

He also described Adenan's passing as shocking and a great loss to not only the people of Sarawak, but to all Malaysians. -- Bernama