KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem passed away this afternoon at 1.24pm, at the Sarawak General Hospital Heart Centre in Samarahan.

He would have turned 73 on Jan 27.

Adenan was appointed Chief Minister on Feb 28, 2014.

All three deputy chief ministers – Datuk Amar Uggah Embas, Tan Sri Dr Jemut Masing and Datuk Amar Abang Johari Openg and Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian were among the first to arrive at the hospital upon hearing the news.

Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud also arrived to pay his respects.

Family members, relatives and ministers slowly trickled after the official announcement of his passing, with many seen openly sobbing upon hearing the sad news.

Adenan’s body will be moved to his family home later today, where it will lie in state.