KUCHING: Sarawak leaders and prominent figures have paid tribute to the late Datuk Dr Madeline Berma, describing her recent passing as a profound loss to both Sarawak and the nation.
Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
Wan Junaidi hailed the Sarawak-born scholar as a visionary intellectual who made significant contributions to academia, economic planning, and social development.
“She contributed her ideas and expertise on economic development, poverty eradication, social inequality, and public policy formulation at both the state and national levels,” he said, describing her passing as a great loss to the country.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg also expressed his condolences on behalf of the Sarawak Economic Action Council (SEAC), highlighting Madeline’s role as a member of SEAC, which was established in 2020 to guide Sarawak’s post-Covid-19 recovery under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“As chairman of SEAC, I wish to state that Sarawak has lost one of its finest daughters who contributed her expertise to ensure a sound economic future for the state,” he said.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and his wife, Datin Amar Datuk Doreen Mayang, described her as a highly respected academic and dedicated community advocate, noting that her work in economics and social development had left an indelible mark on Sarawak and the nation.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, a close friend of Madeline, echoed the sentiment, praising her lifelong contributions to education and community development.
Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah reflected on her admiration for Madeline, describing her as humble, humorous, and inspiring. She highlighted Madeline’s achievements, including the 2016 Anugerah YAB Ketua Menteri Sarawak award as Tokoh Wanita Sarawak in academia, as well as her enduring advocacy for diversity, equality, and women’s leadership.
“Madeline was a key strategic partner in advancing diversity, equality, and equity, especially in strengthening women’s leadership in Sarawak. She will be dearly missed. Her passing is difficult to replace. She is truly a legend,” Fatimah said.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, MA63, State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali also expressed her sorrow over Madeline’s unexpected passing, lauding her as a brilliant mind and person of remarkable character.
“She was widely respected for her opinions, particularly on poverty eradication. Sarawak has lost a brilliant mind and personality. She will always be remembered and deeply missed,” she said.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek recalled Madeline as both a mentor and a friend, noting how she guided her during her early activist years, instilled the values of social justice, and provided unwavering support.
“She was always there through thick and thin, offering guidance and mentorship. May Dr Meg rest in peace. I will cherish her lessons in this world and the hereafter,” Fadhlina said.
Born in Sarawak, the late Madeline was a respected academic, economist, and social development advocate. She made significant contributions to poverty eradication, economic planning, and public policy at both the state and national levels. As a member of the Sarawak Economic Action Council (SEAC), she played a key role in shaping the state’s post-Covid-19 development strategy. Over her lifetime, she was widely recognised for her dedication to education, women’s leadership, and community development, leaving a lasting legacy in Sarawak and Malaysia.
