Sarawak State Secretary, Sadia leader pay tribute to Madeline Berma

KUCHING (Dec 30): Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohd Abu Bakar Marzuki has expressed his condolences to the family of the late Dato’ Dr Madeline Berma, describing her passing as a major loss to the nation, particularly to Sarawak.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Sarawak Civil Service, Mohd Abu Bakar said Madeline was a highly respected economist whose contributions had left a lasting impact on the country.

“Her passing is a great loss, especially in view of her immense contributions to higher education, research and the development of knowledge, including policy thinking and discourse on economic development,” he said.

Mohd Abu Bakar said Madeline played an important role in advancing intellectual thought and shaping discussions related to economic development, benefiting both Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole.

He also conveyed his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed that they be granted strength and fortitude in facing their loss.

“On behalf of the Sarawak Public Service, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Dato’ Dr Madeline Berma,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) also mourned her passing.

“Sadia expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dato’ Dr Madeline Berma, describing her death as a major loss to the Dayak community, particularly the Iban community,” said the association deputy secretary general Anthony Ejau.

“We paid tribute to the late Dato’ Dr Madeline Berma as a towering figure in the struggle to uplift the socio-economic standing of the Dayak people.

“She was not only an accomplished individual but also a symbol of strength, courage and perseverance.

“Throughout her life, she worked tirelessly to improve the economic well-being of the Dayak community, especially in areas of entrepreneurship and the sustainability of local livelihoods,” he said.

Anthony also highlighted her role as a former commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), where she was actively involved in advocating for the rights of the Dayak people.

He said her contributions helped open opportunities, instilled hope, and strengthened confidence among the Dayak community to participate equally in the nation’s development.

“Her passing is a profound loss not only to her family but also to the many communities whose lives were touched by her dedication and service,” he added.

Despite her passing, the values, vision, and fighting spirit left behind by Madeline will continue to inspire future generations.

“Her sacrifices and contributions will remain a treasured legacy in the history of the Dayak community’s economic struggle,” Anthony said.

Madeline was a Fellow of the Malaysian Future Institute, an appointed member of the Sarawak Economic Action Council, and also attached to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

She passed away at the age of 64 at her home in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, around 11.30am today. She is survived by two brothers.

Her remains are expected to arrive in Sarawak tomorrow (Dec 31) and will subsequently be laid to rest at the Kampung Siol Kandis cemetery.