Governor, wife pay their last respects to the late economist Dr Madeline

KUCHING, Jan 1 2026: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, this morning paid their last respects to the late renowned economist Dr Madeline Berma.

Caption: Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife paying their last respects to the late economist Dr Madeline Berma 

He said their presence was warmly welcomed by her family members at their house at Siol Kandis, Petra Jaya, where they spent time chatting with the relatives to personally convey their condolences.

“Coincidentally, her late father was also an acquaintance of mine when we both served in the Police Department,” Wan Junaidi said on his Facebook post.

The governor described the passing of Dr Madeline as a great loss not only to Sarawak, but to the entire country.

“She was an extraordinary intellectual. Her contributions in the field of development economics and advocacy for marginalised communities have greatly assisted in the formation of important policies. “Sarawak has lost a very dedicated gem,”he said, adding that “Sarawak has lost a courageous intellectual who spoke the truth without fear or favour.”

He said also described her as a figure who was vocal in offering perspectives on contemporary issues regardless of political affiliation.

He noted her particular strength was as a researcher who examined issues with great depth and rigour.

Wan Junaidi and his wife prayed that the family members will continue to persevere and be given strength in facing this difficult time.Madeline, 64, died at her residence in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, at about 11.30 am on December 30 2025.

The cause of her death has not been confirmed.

She was a professor of economics at the Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Her most recent positions were Member of the Sarawak Economic Action Council and Fellow of the Institute for the Future of Malaysia.

She was appointed Sarawak Commissioner to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).

Madeline was also the director of the Tun Fatimah Hashim Women's Leadership Centre,National University of Malaysia.

She graduated with Bachelor of Economics, National University of Malaysia (1982), Master's Degree in Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States (1986) and Doctor of Philosophy, University of Hull, United Kingdom (1997).