KOTA KINABALU: The late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin was hailed as a steadfast leader whose loyalty to Umno, particularly in Sabah, remained unwavering throughout his political career, earning him widespread respect across the party and the state.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani described Bung Moktar’s passing today as a significant loss to both Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN).
“He was among the most loyal in the struggle; he never wavered. Whether BN or Umno was strong or weak, he stayed with the party. That shows his sincerity and commitment — through times of power or adversity, in strength or in weakness, he remained steadfast,” he said after attending Bung’s funeral prayers at the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque earlier today.
Johari, along with several central Umno leaders, joined Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is Umno president and BN chairman, in the congregation after Friday prayers.
Actor Shaheizy Sam, Bung’s brother-in-law, said the late leader had appeared frail during the recent 17th Sabah state election campaign, particularly on the final day before polling on Nov 29.
“During the campaign, you could see he wasn’t well. The last time I met him was a day before polling day. I usually help him with campaigning during elections. On the last day, he didn’t look like his usual self — he had no energy and seemed tired. What shocked us was hearing yesterday that his condition had worsened,” he said at the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque.
Reflecting on Bung’s personal side, he added: “The man you see in Parliament is not the same at home. No matter how fiery he was in Parliament, at home he was completely different — you’d never hear him raise his voice or get angry. Over all these years, I rarely saw him upset. At home, with his children, he was incredibly gentle.”
Former RTM broadcaster Mohd Salim Ibrahim, 72, described the late leader as kind and community-minded.
“During my time at RTM, I was close to him. He was a good leader who helped many people and was very kind to his friends. We have lost him, and may we meet again in the hereafter,” he said.
Another acquaintance, Syed Husin Habib Omar, 70, said the large turnout at the mosque was a blessing for Bung, especially as he passed away on a Friday.
“Alhamdulillah, we have completed giving our final respects to YB Datuk Bung. It is a blessing that he passed on this very blessed day, Friday. It is estimated that 4,000 to 5,000 people were present — the largest number yet. Alhamdulillah, it is his blessing. May Allah grant him a better resting place, insyaAllah,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
