PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended his condolences to the family of Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, remembering the Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman, Kinabatangan MP and Lamag assemblyman as a long-time friend and a resolute champion of the people.
In a message posted to his social media accounts, Anwar said he regarded the late leader as “a firm, principled and outspoken figure” who consistently fought for the interests of the rakyat.
He said, ‘His service and commitment in the political arena, particularly to the people of Sabah and the nation, will continue to be appreciated and remain etched in our memories.’
The Prime Minister added: ‘I pray that the family of the late leader is granted strength to face this test, and that his soul is forgiven all his sins and placed in an honoured position by His side, God willing.’
Bung Moktar died at about 1.46am on Friday at a private hospital in Kota Kinabalu. His son, Naim Kurniawan Moktar, confirmed the news in a Facebook post:
‘With deep sorrow, we inform that our father, Moktar bin Radin, breathed his last on 05 December 2026 at 1.46am (14 Jamadilakhir 1447H). We ask that everyone pray for his soul to be showered with mercy and placed among the righteous. Al-Fatihah.’”
It is understood that the veteran politician had been admitted to hospital the previous day after suffering kidney failure.
News of his passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders and supporters across Sabah and beyond. Many described Bung Moktar as a “close friend” and “a hero,” reflecting the significant presence he held in the state’s political sphere and his decades-long service at state and federal levels. - December 5, 2025