KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, have expressed their condolences to the family of Dewan Negara president Datuk Mutang Tagal, who died earlier this morning.
"His passing occurred while he was in service to the nation. May his family find strength during this difficult time. Our deepest condolences," Their Majesties said in a post on the Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar Facebook page.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described Mutang's passing this morning as a great loss not only to Sarawak but also to the country.
In a post on Facebook, Anwar also expressed condolences to the senator’s family, hoping that they would stay strong in their moment of bereavement.
"He was the first Dayak (of Lun Bawang ethnicity) to hold the office of the Senate President, and his passing was indeed a great loss for the people of Sarawak and the country.
"All his good deeds and contributions will always be remembered,” he said.
A number of Cabinet members also expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family of Senate Mutang.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the late senator's services, deeds, and sacrifices for the sake of the people and the country will always be remembered.
"I knew him as a very respected and beloved figure. He was the country’s 20th Senate President, who was just appointed last February. Indeed, his death is a great loss to the country,” Ahmad Zahid said, hoping that the family would remain strong in facing this difficult time.
Another Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, described Mutang’s death as a huge loss to the Sarawak state government.
"Sarawak lost a respected figure and leader, who has contributed a lot to the development of the country and Sarawak in particular. My condolences to all his family members. May they persevere and be patient in facing this test,” he posted on Facebook.
Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi, on the other hand, described Mutang’s contributions and services to Sarawak and the country as very significant in promoting the role of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and the Lun Bawang community in developing Sarawak.
The secretary-general of PBB and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) said that he was personally affected by Mutang's death because the latter was not just a comrade in politics but also a close friend of his and his family.
"He was never a stranger to me. I still remember the history of his involvement in Sarawak politics, where my father, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Leonard Linggi, who was the PBB secretary-general at that time, played an important role in bringing him (Mutang) into the party in the 1970s.
"I pray for all members of his family and the entire Lun Bawang community to be granted strength and patience in dealing with this huge loss,” Nanta said.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, in his Facebook post, said that he had known Mutang even before the latter was appointed as Senate president.
"He used to share with me his views relating to economic issues and programmes, especially for the Dayak people in Sarawak,” he said.
Meanwhile, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil also conveyed his condolences to Mutang’s family in a post on X.
"May the family be given strength and patience to face this test. Thank you, Sir, for your service to the nation,” he posted.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang also expressed condolences to Mutang's family on Facebook. He said that the Senate president's passing left a big hole in his heart and the hearts of his fellow comrades.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin were also among those who conveyed their condolence messages to Mutang’s family.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh also sent thoughtful condolence messages.
Earlier, the Dewan Negara President’s Office had announced that Mutang, 69, died at 11.46 am at the National Heart Institute (IJN) here, after receiving treatment upon his return from Azerbaijan on May 6.
Mutang leaves behind wife Datin Ho May Leng and three children.
On Feb 19, the former Bukit Mas Member of Parliament was appointed as the 20th president of the Dewan Negara, replacing Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who relinquished the post following his appointment as the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak.
Mutang made history as the first leader from the Lun Bawang ethnic group to be appointed as the Senate president. – Bernama
