KUCHING: This year, Sarawak has mourned the loss of many prominent figures across various fields.
Their contributions to governance, sports, culture, and community have profoundly shaped society, leaving behind legacies that will continue to inspire generations.
As Sarawak welcomes the New Year, the Sarawak Tribune reflects on and honours those who have departed.
Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud
Passed away: Feb 21, aged 87
The former Sarawak Head of State passed away at a private hospital in Kuala Lumpur at 4.40 am.
Born on May 21, 1963, in Miri, Abdul Taib was fondly remembered as the ‘Father of Modern Sarawak.’
He served as Sarawak’s longest-serving Chief Minister from 1981 to 2014, during which he played a pivotal role in transforming the state into a modern economy.
After stepping down, he assumed the role of Sarawak’s 7th Head of State on Feb 28, 2014, succeeding Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng, and served until Jan 26 this year.
Senior Seaman JJM Joanna Felicia Rohna
Passed away: April 23, aged 25
Joanna, a Sarawakian, was among 10 navy personnel who tragically lost their lives in a mid-air collision involving two Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) aircraft during a rehearsal for the RMN’s 90th Anniversary Celebration in Lumut, Perak.
The collision led to the cancellation of the event.
Hailing from Kampung Sumpas Tampek in Serian, Joanna leaves behind her husband and two children. She was laid to rest at the Kampung Engkaroh Christian Cemetery on April 25.
Datuk Mutang Tagal
Passed away: May 10, aged 70
Mutang passed away at the National Heart Institute, Kuala Lumpur, at 11.46 am.
He had been undergoing treatment after falling ill during a work trip to Azerbaijan on May 6.
The first Orang Ulu of Lun Bawang ethnicity to hold the position, Mutang was appointed as the 20th Senate President on Feb 19. He also served as Bukit Mas MP from 1982 to 1990.
Suharwardi Dahlan
Passed away: June 24, aged 38
Suharwardi, a bodybuilder, passed away at his home in Pujut Tanjung Batu around 3 am, shortly after returning from a two-day tournament in Sibu.
Azri Asmat Sefri, his team manager during the 58th Mr Sarawak Bodybuilding Championships, described Suharwardi as a talented athlete who represented Miri and earned accolades in the Mr Miri championship.
Puan Sri Datin Sri Elizabeth Pawa
Passed away: Oct 6, aged 76
Elizabeth passed away peacefully at her home on Jalan Urat Mata at 9.55 am.
She was the wife of the late Tan Sri Celestine Ujang, a former state minister and Sarawak Legislative Assembly speaker.
Her son-in-law, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, described her as someone who touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on her family and all who knew her.
Macswyzer Richard Riot
Passed away: Nov 5, aged 47
Macswyzer, the youngest son of Serian MP Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem, passed away at the Sarawak General Hospital at midnight.
A Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) deputy youth chief and Serian Branch Youth Chief, he was known for his passion for football and was an active player in the local league team, MARR SC.
He had been battling cancer.
Hadie Suboh
Passed away: Nov 8, aged 73
Hadie passed away peacefully at the Borneo Medical Centre in the morning. He leaves behind his wife and seven children.
A founding member of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak, Hadie was deeply respected for his contributions to the community and his dedication to the ‘Reformasi’ movement.
Nyukan Yan
Passed away: Dec 17, aged 82
Nyukan Yan, also known as Muk Torres, one of Sarawak’s iconic “Ring Ladies” from Kampung Semban, passed away at her son’s residence in the Bengoh Resettlement Scheme at around 5 am.
Her passing, attributed to old age, is mourned by her seven children, 13 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren.
Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin described her death as a huge loss to the Puncak Borneo community.
