KUALA LUMPUR: The Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family members of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who passed away on Sunday (Jan 23) at Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah.
Dr Ahmad Zahid described Salahuddin as a respected and humble Cabinet colleague who was always committed in carrying out his duties.
He said, “With deep sorrow, I receive the news of the passing of Salahuddin, who passed away at 9:23pm at Sultanah Bahiyyah Hospital, Alor Setar, Kedah.
“Until his last moments, he was concerned and continued to fight for the well-being of the people.”
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Barisan Nasional chairman, added, “The nation has lost a great leader. Let us all pray that Allah will bestow His mercy upon him and grant patience to his entire family for this loss.”
The Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution, expressed his grief and shared a personal anecdote about Salahuddin’s concern for his health.
Saifuddin said, “I have known Salahuddin for decades, and we have always been close friends. Even last week, he told me to take care of my health as he said his blood pressure was a bit high.”
He added, “We were supposed to move the election campaign for the states together this week, but alas, he is gone too soon. I will miss him dearly.”
The Communications and Digital Minister, Fahmi Fadzil, also expressed his condolences and prayed for Salahuddin to find peace with Allah.
Nurul Izzah Anwar, in her condolences post, described Salahuddin as a person with a good heart and high empathy who always fought for the people’s well-being.
She hoped that his family would find the strength to face this great loss.
The Opposition Leader, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, paid tribute to Salahuddin, whom he described as a mature, progressive, and pragmatic leader.
He said, “Our political ideology may be different, but he is a person whom I respect. It is with great sadness that I express my deepest condolences to the family of the late Datuk Seri Salahuddn Ayub, whom I regard as a friend.”
The death of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister was confirmed in a Facebook post by his daughter, Fatihah Salahuddin, on Sunday.
In a statement, Salahuddin’s press secretary, Syakirin Husnal, announced that the minister’s remains would be taken to his mother’s house in Kampung Serkat (Kopi Tenggek) in Tanjung Piai, Johor.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
