KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin early this morning, describing it as the loss of a true friend.
Zahid, who is also the deputy prime minister, said the late Sabah Umno chief had been a steadfast comrade, standing by him through both hardship and ease.
“O Allah… my heart broke upon receiving news of the passing of my friend, Bung Moktar Radin, who has returned to the mercy of Allah on this blessed Friday morning,” he said in a social media post.
He added that Bung, who was Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman and Kinabatangan member of Parliament, was always loyal and present in both good and difficult times, and that words could not fully express the sense of loss.
“All that remains are prayers, accompanying the memories and goodness he left behind in this world,” Zahid said.
He prayed for Bung’s soul to be blessed with mercy, forgiven of his sins, and placed among the faithful and righteous, and extended condolences to his family, wishing them strength and patience in facing this difficult moment.
Meanwhile, Sabah Umno deputy chief Abdul Rahman Dahlan described Bung as a hero.
“In our hearts, you are still our hero… Al-Fatihah to a fighter,” he said.
“My condolences to the family of the late YB Datuk Seri Panglima Bung Moktar Radin. O Allah, there are no words that can ease the sorrow upon hearing this news. I have lost a friend and a leader. May Allah the Almighty shower the soul of the late Bung Moktar with mercy.”
Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman and Kinabatangan MP Bung Moktar, 66, had been admitted to the intensive care unit after suffering kidney failure and a severe lung infection, according to Sabah Umno secretary Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
His son, Naim Kurniawan Moktar, announced the death in a Facebook post, saying Bung passed away at 1.46am and asking for prayers.
Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal also paid tribute, saying he had received the sad news of the passing of his long-time friend.
“We shared a long history dating back to the time when he was the Sabah Umno Youth Information Chief (1995), while I was then the Sabah Umno Youth Chief. We shared many memories and experiences throughout our long political journey,” he said.
Shafie extended his condolences to Bung’s wife, children and entire family.
“May Allah the Almighty shower his soul with mercy, forgive all his sins and place him among the righteous. May his family be granted strength, patience and fortitude in facing this test,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
