KUCHING: Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud praised the late Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem for his sincerity in serving the people.

“He (Adenan) had served the state well and served it with sincere feelings. And he had left behind, I think, a government as good as ever in Sarawak, more than what I have inherited before,” said Taib when met by the media at Sarawak General Hospital Heart Centre in Samarahan.

Taib was at the Heart Centre to give support to the family of the late Adenan who passed away yesterday at 1.24pm. He was accompanied by his wife Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib.

Taib said he was saddened by Adenan’s passing and was at a loss for words when asked to comment on the demise of his long-time friend.

“I feel very sad as I was the one who took him into politics way back in 1982 or 1983 because I know he got solid power to think and analyse a lot of situations,” pointed out Taib.

Adenan took over as chief minister from Taib when he retired after 51 years in politics and 33 years as chief minister.