KUCHING: Tributes continue to pour in following the passing of Datuk Dr Madeline Berma, a respected economist, academic, and public intellectual, today (Dec 30).
Political History and Strategy Programme, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) lecturer Dr Suffian Mansor said the significant role Madeline played in addressing economic issues will continue to be appreciated and remembered.
According to him, the late Madeline was a scholar and thinker who contributed greatly to community development and also provided advisory services to the government on economic management, particularly urban poverty.
“Her contributions included a strong commitment to conducting research on poverty-related issues.
“As economic development today progresses rapidly, she viewed this as an area that required in-depth study to ensure that groups left behind in the economic process would not continue to be marginalised.
“For this reason, she was deeply involved in research on poverty, including poverty in Sarawak and urban poverty,” he said when contacted.
He added that her research also covered issues related to women and education within the Dayak community.
“These studies remain highly relevant and continue to support the nation’s development efforts today,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Prof Dr Dayang Affizzah Awang Marikan also expressed her deepest condolences to Madeline’s family.
“Our sincere condolences go out to her family.
“Her warmth, brilliance, and sincerity touched everyone blessed to cross her path. She spoke with honesty, compassion, and wisdom that came from the heart.
“Her passing leaves an ache, but her light and legacy will continue to guide and inspire,” she said.
