[UPDATED] Domestic trade minister Salahuddin dies

KUALA LUMPUR – Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub died tonight, following emergency surgery yesterday for a brain haemorrhage.

The Amanah deputy president, 61, died at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Star, Kedah, at 9.23pm, according to his daughter Siti Fatihah in her Facebook post.

Salahuddin’s press secretary Syakirin Husnal also announced his death in a press statement tonight.

Salahuddin’s body will be sent to his mother’s home in Kg Serkat (Kopi Tenggek), Tg Piai, Johor.

“The family wishes to record their highest gratitude and thanks to all who have prayed for him. 

“The family also thanks all the doctors and personnel at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital.

“May his soul be placed among the righteous. Amin.”

Further information on the burial will be provided later.

The Pulai MP underwent a successful surgery yesterday and was warded in the intensive care unit, where his condition was reported as stable but critical.

He was rushed to hospital at about 10.15pm on Friday night after experiencing nausea and vomiting before he was confirmed to have a brain haemorrhage.

Salahuddin had been agriculture and agro-based industry minister for 22 months in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration after the 2018 general election, when he first won the Pulai seat.

He was also Simpang Jeram assemblyman in Johor from May 2018.

Prior to that, as an opposition politician, he had been Kubang Kerian MP in Kelantan from 2004 to 2013.

Salahuddin was among the group of “progressive” PAS leaders who broke away from the Islamist party in 2015 to form Amanah.

PAS had also left Pakatan Rakyat, the alliance that preceded PH, which Amanah then formed together with PKR and DAP.

Born in Pontian, Johor, Salahuddin as domestic trade and cost of living minister will be remembered for the unity government’s “Rahmah” initiative to make everyday necessities affordable for the poor.

It began with the Menu Rahmah programme to provide wholesome meals for RM5 by collaborating with participating eateries, and has since been expanded to other types of goods and services. – The Vibes, July 23, 2023