21 Facts About Adenan Satem

Adenan Satem is referred to as the Father of Sarawak Unity.

Adenan Satem was born in Kuching, Sarawak during its occupation by Japan in World War II.

Adenan Satem received his early education at St Joseph's Primary School, and later at St Joseph's Secondary School.

Adenan Satem once worked as a journalist and teacher before pursuing his studies in law at the University of Adelaide, Australia.

Adenan Satem was appointed assistant secretary for the Ministry of Primary Industries from 1972 to 1974.

Adenan Satem was the member of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly for Muara Tuang from 1979 onwards until he moved to the Tanjong Datu constituency for the 2006 state election, where he won.

Adenan Satem played a role in the 1987 Ming Court Affair, a crisis that involved a power tussle between Abdul Taib Mahmud and the then governor Abdul Rahman Ya'kub.

Adenan Satem sided with Taib, who emerged as the victor in the crisis.

Two years earlier, Adenan Satem was appointed by Taib as PBB publicity chief as the former sought to purge Abdul Rahman's influence in the party.

In 1987 soon after the seven resignations, Adenan Satem was appointed as the state minister for land development in the Taib cabinet.

In March 2014, Adenan Satem succeeded Abdul Taib Mahmud as Chief Minister of Sarawak.

Adenan Satem officially took the oath of office in a ceremony held at Astana on 28 February 2014, Later that year, in conjunction with the Governor of Sarawak's 78th Birthday, he was awarded the "Datuk Patinggi" title.

Adenan Satem's party won 72 of the 82 available seats.

Adenan Satem spoke openly about strengthening Sarawak's autonomy and called for higher state's share of petroleum royalty, much to the consternation of Putrajaya and the national oil company Petronas.

Malay language activists have criticised Adenan Satem for making English as one of the official languages of Sarawak.

Adenan Satem further suggest that educational matters should be handled by the state government so that the rural schools are better looked after.

Adenan Satem's stance has received criticism for promoting regionalism in a country.

Adenan Satem appointed a committee, co-chaired by Nancy Shukri an Anifah Aman to study the devolution of powers to Sabah and Sarawak under federal constitution.

On 11 January 2017, Adenan Satem died of heart attack at the Sarawak Heart Centre, Kota Samarahan, aged 72 years old.

Adenan Satem was laid to rest at Samariang Muslim Cemetery in Kuching.

Adenan Satem's death was mourned by Sarawakians throughout the week, and many leaders attended his funeral in Kuching.