PM recollects precious memories, moments with Tok Nan

iThe opening ceremony of the Lundu food court today was poignant as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak reminisced about his friendship with the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem. Adenan, who was the former Tanjong Datu assemblyman and Sarawak’s fifth chief minister, passed away from a heart complication on Jan 11. In his opening speech, the prime minister began by expressing his grief when he saw a portrait of himself and holding hands with Adenan, hanging on the wall of a rest house here. “I recalled the day I had accompanied the late Tok Nan to the nomination centre during the state polls last year. “Alhamdulillah, Tok Nan not only retained Tanjong Datu but he returned as a state assemblyman for the constituency with a handsome win,” said Najib in his moving speech. Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman, also recalled the day he had visited Adenan when he was admitted to the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur few years ago. The prime minister had mentioned Adenan was contemplating an option to replace his heart with a mechanical artificial heart, a decision that might change the political course of the former chief minister. “Not many people know about this and also of our friendship. Should Tok Nan had decided to go ahead with the option, it will put a constraint to his movement. “With the consent of his family, Tok Nan decided otherwise. “With the blessing of God, Tok Nan was given the chance to continue with championing the struggle of the people in Sarawak. “He has, during his time, relived the spirit of fighting for the rights of the people in Sarawak,” said Najib to a loud applause from the crowd. He later officially opened the food court, a project initiated by Adenan.