KUALA LUMPUR – Those working at The Vibes will always remember the late Zakhir Mohamed as a jovial and friendly man, with lots of great and funny stories to share.
Fondly known as Big Dog, Zakhir’s good nature also extended to those outside his work life.
His death today has saddened many, as his social media accounts are flooded with heartfelt recollections and messages of condolences and goodbyes.
Among them is Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
“Innalillahiwainnailaihiraji’un. My condolences to the family of the late Zakhir Mohamed ‘Big Dog’ and the whole team at @thevibesnews. May Allah SWT bless his soul and place him among the righteous. Al-Fatihah,” he tweeted.
Innalillahiwainnailaihiraji’un. My condolences to the family of the late @zakhirm 'Big Dog' and the whole team at @thevibesnews. May Allah SWT bless his soul and place him among the righteous. Al-Fatihah ? https://t.co/VSin2MnxhU
— Hishammuddin Hussein ?? (@HishammuddinH2O) December 27, 2020
Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun expressed shock after hearing news of Zakhir’s passing.
“I am shocked at Zakhir's sudden demise. What a loss! He was such a good man.”
Meanwhile, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi led Zakhir’s funeral prayers at a mosque in Taman Tun Dr Ismail here.
“He is a dear friend of mine. I have known him since we were young.
“He is a good writer. He does not write with emotion and sentiments, and gives accurate analysis. We have been friends for a long time. His passing… is a great loss to me.”
Mari kita hadiahkan bacaan Al Fatihah kepada arwah yang telah pergi meninggalkan kita semua. Semoga rohnya dirahmati Allah. pic.twitter.com/ejFXdXHS1H
— Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (@DrZahidHamidi) December 27, 2020
Pekan MP and former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak took to social media to convey his condolences to Zakhir’s family.
“Allahyarham is quite friendly with me, with good humour. (He) liked to ask for and hear my views.
“The last time he interviewed me was in Kota Kinabalu during the Sabah election.
“May his soul be blessed and placed among the righteous.”
Opposition leader and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Zakhir was a fair political commentator and observer.
“I had a great amount of respect for him, even if I did not agree with some of his opinions. I knew his opinions were made fairly and with the nation’s well-being at the heart of it.
“Azizah and I send our heartfelt condolences to his family, as well as the Petra family, for this sudden loss,” he said, referring to his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Petra Group chairman and CEO Datuk Dr Vinod Sekhar and his wife, Datin Winy Sekhar, cut short their Christmas break in Langkawi to fly back here to console Zakhir’s family.
They met his wife, daughter and parents at his home, and pledged to support the family in every way possible.
“Zakhir is our family, too, which makes you, ours. Rest assured, we are all here for you,” Vinod told Zakhir’s father, Mohamed Abdul Ghani.
He added that Zakhir’s death is a big loss to the Petra Group, which was dependent on him to make Petra News a formidable media organisation.
“We will never be able to replace him, but his spirit will drive us to achieve our goals in his honour.”
He said Zakhir was a problem-solver par excellence.
“I’d only know there was a problem after he had solved it. He had always shielded me.”
Andrew Rickards, the president of Petra Group and CEO of Petra Europe, said: “I am very sorry to hear this news. It’s a big loss to the group. My condolences to his wife and daughter.”
Petra Group vice-president special projects Patrick Teoh said: “Big Dog is gone. I shall miss him forever. Going to the office and not seeing his smile, will never be the same. Rest well Dog. I shall miss hearing his voice coming from his room which is next to mine.”
Bernama chairman and senator Ras Adiba Radzi touched on Zakhir’s positivity and humour, while saying he was a friend.
“We lost a friend, but we accept fate. Sleep, we will continue the fight with a heavy heart,” Ras said in a Facebook post.
MIC vice-president and former Cameron Highlands MP Datuk C. Sivarraajh expressed shock over Zakhir’s sudden passing and extended his condolences.
“The passing of an old friend, Zakhir Mohamed is both shocking and sad. Condolences to his family and friends. Rest well my friend,” Sivaraajh tweeted.
Writer and pilot Thirunavukkarasu Karasu said that the two were supposed to meet this week.
“Salam takziah and my deepest condolences to the family of the late Allahyarham Zakhir Mohamed aka Bawse-ku. We were supposed to meet this week at KL Hilton. Will remember his wit, humour and deep insights into all things Malaysian. Farewell sir, and may The Ever-Loving and Merciful place you among the pious and righteous.”
Former Machang MP Datuk Sazmi Miah said: “Condolences to the family of Zakhir Mohamed. May Allah SWT shower blessings, forgive his sins and place him among faithful. Feeling the loss of a friend.”
Given that Zakhir was also close to those in the media industry, Astro Awani news presenter Firdaus Azil took the opportunity to mention Zakhir’s contribution to society.
“I did not expect (that) Zakhir ‘Big Dog’ Mohamed has gone to face his Creator an hour ago. One of the pioneers of Bloghouse, instrumental in shaping the society,” he tweeted.
Senior DAP leader and Sg Pelek assemblyman Ronnie Liu said: “Rest in peace, Big Dog.”
One of the country’s most influential architects and Petra Group adviser David Hashim was shocked to hear of Zakhir’s passing.
“He was such a kind and decent man.”
Petra Group chief of staff Mooreyameen Mohamad said: “His kindness and generosity moved me. He had an innate ability to make you feel appreciated and special, no matter who you are.”
Mooreyameen happens to share the same birthday as Zakhir, on October 24.
Also present at the funeral were Petra News executive director Datuk Ahirudin Attan, former Federal Territories minister Tan Sri Zulhasnan Rafique, former Media Prima Bhd chairman Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Petra News editor-in-chief and The Vibes managing editor Terence Fernandez, and journalists, among others. – The Vibes, December 27, 2020
