KLUANG – Former Dewan Negara deputy president Datuk Gapar Gurrohu died of lung infection at the Enche Besar Hajjah Khalsom Hospital here at about 1.30am yesterday. He was 76.
His youngest son Nor Safarin, 44, said his father had been ill for the past two months besides suffering from diabetes complications.
He said his late father often spoke about his mother (Nor Safarin’s grandmother) Mah Mohamad, who had died 48 years ago while performing the haj.
“My father also imagined his wife, Datin Aminah @ Safiah Mohd Yusof, 75, as his late mother and often asked us to bring him back to his hometown in Ujung Pasir, Melaka.
“However, due to the implementation of the movement control order, we were not able to fulfil his request,” he said when contacted today.
Gapar held the post of Dewan Negara deputy president from May 8, 2001, until October 22, 2003.
He leaves behind his wife, two sons, and six grandchildren, and his remains were laid to rest at the Kg Bentong Dalam Muslim cemetery here after Friday prayers yesterday.
“We will definitely remember his sacrifices. Although he was an active politician, he never neglected his responsibilities and would spend time with us whenever he had the chance,” Nor Safarin said.
Meanwhile, Johor Umno liaison committee treasurer Datuk Md Jais Sarday described Gapar, who was former Mahkota assemblyman, as a highly respected figure, especially in Kluang.
“Gapar was Kluang Umno division chief from 1996 until 2008. He did a lot of charity work as the chairman of Pertubuhan Anak Yatim Kluang after retiring from politics.
“This is a huge loss for Umno, especially in this district. I would like to offer my condolences to his family. May his soul be showered with blessings,” he said. – Bernama, September 11, 2021
