KUALA LUMPUR – Ampang Umno division chief Datuk Ismail Kijo died today at Sg Buloh Hospital this afternoon, believed to be due to Covid-19.
It is understood that his funeral will be handled by the Health Ministry.
Ismail, who was Lembah Jaya assemblyman from 1994 to 2013, was said to be suffering from stage four lymphoma, and had attended a press conference by Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah last month.
Tengku Razaleigh, or Ku Li, was later confirmed to be positive for Covid-19 on January 14.
It is believed that Ismail had contracted the virus from there. He was in the intensive care unit prior to his passing.
Ismail’s wife is also understood to have tested positive as well but has recovered and completed her home quarantine.
Barisan Nasional’s official communications and Umno Selangor Twitter accounts, as well as Ampang BN and Umno’s Facebook pages, confirmed his death but did not elaborate on the cause.
Messages of condolences began pouring in on social media, including from politicians from both sides of the divide.
Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the loss of Ismail, whom he described as a friend, is saddening, and prayed that his soul be placed amongst those of the righteous.
Selangor Umno chief Tan Sri Noh Omar took to Facebook to share the news, and extended his condolences to Ismail’s family.
Other politicians, including former Selangor menteri besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo and PKR’s Kapar MP Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid, also extended their prayers for Ismail. – The Vibes, February 3, 2021
