KUALA LUMPUR – Political leaders from all sides, as well as fellow cabinet members, have expressed their sadness over the death of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who died at 9.23pm last night.
Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has expressed his condolences to Salahuddin’s family. Muhyiddin, who is also Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, prayed that the late minister’s soul would be showered with mercy and placed among the pious.
“I am saddened to hear this news and pray that his family would remain patient and persevere in facing this sad and trying time,” he posted on Facebook today.
PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang also posted on Facebook his condolences to Salahuddin’s family.
“May Allah forgive his sins and bless his soul,” he said.
Meanwhile, DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng was full of praise for Salahuddin’s character and services in sowing the seeds of hope for the country’s future.
“I am profoundly sad about the demise of my friend and comrade-in-arms, Salahuddin Ayub. My condolences to his family, may they be patient in facing this test,” he said.
Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, in expressing his condolences to Salahuddin’s family, thanked him for his services to the nation.
“May his soul be placed among the righteous,” he said.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said Salahuddin’s initiatives, including Payung Rahmah, Menu Rahmah and Jualan Rahmah really helped to lessen the people’s burden.
“In politics, I will always remember our beautiful, painful, happy and difficult times together, especially in the Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council. You will be missed, dear friend,” he tweeted.
Salahuddin, who is the Pulai MP and Simpang Jeram assemblyman, died last night at 9.23pm at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) in Alor Star, Kedah. He was 61.
Yesterday, Salahuddin’s press secretary Syakirin Husnal said Salahuddin was rushed to the HSB emergency ward at 10.15pm on Friday after experiencing nausea and vomiting before being diagnosed with a brain haemorrhage by a specialist doctor.
Meanwhile, National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang also extended his condolences to Salahuddin’s family.
“I am taken aback by the news of my cabinet friend’s departure. A great loss to the country. May his sould be placed among the righteous,” he said.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz also expressed hope for Salahuddin’s soul to be blessed with mercy, his sins forgiven, all his acts of worship accepted and may he be included among the pious.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri described Salahuddin as a figure who fought for the Rahmah concept to help ease the burden faced by the people.
“May Allah have mercy, forgive his sins, and place him among the believers. I also pray for perseverance for his family members in facing this difficult trial,” she said.
In the meantime, Public Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said he was very saddened to receive the news of the passing of Salahuddin.
“My condolences to all his family members and may they be given patience and strength in facing this test. The whole country is of course deeply saddened by his death. Our country has definitely lost one of its gems,” Nanta said.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the meeting last week was his last meeting with Salahuddin to discuss several matters and finalise three overlapping Amanah seats in addition to the state elections campaign schedule.
“Three days ago, Salahuddin called (me) again. This time he asked about my health and reminded me that I need to rest. Yesterday, I visited him at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital after being informed of his condition.
“That was our last meeting...I have lost a true friend. He had a gentle demeanour, his speech was structured, and he understood the pain of the people below him,” he also said.
Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli also expressed his condolences to the family of Salahuddin and prayed that his soul be placed among the faithful and pious.
“May all his efforts, services and devotion be rewarded greatly,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said the deceased was a humble leader who always cared about the welfare of the people.
“From afar, I send my thoughts and condolences to the deceased’s wife and family. I pray that Allah SWT will shower mercy on his soul and that the family will be given fortitude in facing this very heavy loss,” he added.
Salahuddin’s remains arrived at the Senai International Airport, near here, at 2.30am today.
Onboard the special flight from Alor Star were his wife Datin Seri Fatimah Taha and Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
Johor police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat was among those at the airport to receive the body.
The hearse carrying the body to the residence of Salahuddin’s mother, Aminah Abdullah, 83, in Kg Serkat (Kopi Tenggek), Tg Piai in Pontian, was escorted by Royal Malaysia Police and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry vehicles.
Salahuddin’s remains will then be brought to his residence in Jalan Adil, near there, and to Masjid Jamek Dato Haji Noh Gadot in Serkat thereafter.
The Amanah deputy president leaves behind Fatimah and six children – four boys and two girls. – Bernama, July 24, 2023
