‘A distinguished intellectual’: DPM Fadillah pays tribute to Madeline Berma

KUCHING (Dec 30): Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof has described the passing of renowned economist and former Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) commissioner Datuk Prof Dr Madeline Berma as a major loss to Sarawak and the nation.

In a Facebook post, Fadillah expressed his sadness and condolences over the demise of the Malaysian Future Institute senior fellow, saying the country had lost a highly respected scholar and an outstanding economic thinker.

“Sarawak and Malaysia have lost a distinguished intellectual figure and an eminent economist who was deeply respected,” he said.

According to him, the late Madeline had devoted her entire professional life to national development and the well-being of the people.

He noted that her significant contributions — particularly through in-depth research on economic development, public policy, poverty, and social inequality — had helped shape national thinking and policy direction.

“Her views and research findings were frequently used as important references, not only among academics but also by policymakers at the national level,” he said.

Fadillah added that during her service as a professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and her leadership at the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS), Madeline strengthened the nation’s intellectual discourse, produced many scholars, and guided generations of policymakers with knowledge grounded in social justice and shared prosperity.

He said her passing was thus a great loss not only to the academic world but also to Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole.

“However, her services, knowledge and intellectual legacy will continue to live on and will always be remembered and serve as guidance for future generations,” he added.

Fadillah also conveyed his condolences to Madeline’s family.

Madeline, a Sarawakian and former Suhakam commissioner, passed away at her residence in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, this morning. She was 64.