Abang Johari (second right) and Juma'ani (on his right) paying their last respects to the late Elizabeth at her residence at Jalan Urat Mata 1 in Kuching on Oct 7, 2024. On Abang Johari's left is Nanta.

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By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Oct 7: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg paid his last respects to Federal Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi’s mother-in-law, Puan Sri Datin Sri Elizabeth Pawa, today.

Abang Johari, accompanied by his wife, Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, spent some time with the family to express their condolences.

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When interviewed later, he and his wife expressed their sadness as both knew Elizabeth and her late husband, Tan Sri Celestine Ujang Jilan, who was a minister in the Sarawak Cabinet and Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker. He passed away in 2018.

“As you know, we were acquainted with the late Celestine, who was our Parti Pesaka Bumiputra (PBB) Youth leader, and I was the deputy.

“We were very close together with Puan Sri (Elizabeth Pawa) as they were like family friends.

“So today, I visited the family, and we expressed our condolences on the loss of Puan Sri. I pray her soul rests in peace,” he told reporters when met at Elizabeth’s residence at Jalan Urat Mata.

Elizabeth passed away at her residence at 9.55am on Oct 6 at the age of 76.

She is survived by her mother, three daughters, two sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. Her funeral service and burial are scheduled for this Wednesday (Oct 9). — DayakDaily