[UPDATED] Former deputy info minister Railey Jeffrey dies

LAHAD DATU – Former deputy information minister Datuk Railey Jeffrey, 75, died at his residence in Taman Lagenda Puteri, Petaling Jaya, at 5.30pm yesterday.

The news was confirmed to Bernama by his good friend and former chairman of the Sabah Cocos Ethnic Association’s Lahad Datu branch, Ishak Harry, 74.

Ishak said he found out about Railey’s death through the latter’s younger brother, Kemley.

“Allahyarham Railey was my friend since childhood. We were neighbours in Kg Segama here.

“Allahyarham was indeed a friend and leader who was kind and honest,” he said, adding that the last time they met was three years ago during an Umno conference here.

Railey was deputy information minister from 1986 to 1995, and after that, deputy works minister until 1999.

He was also Silam MP for the United Sabah National Organisation, which joined Umno in 1991.

Railey was buried at the Bukit Kiara Muslim cemetery in Kuala Lumpur at 10.30am today.

Prior to that, his remains were taken to Masjid Jamek Tengku Abdul Aziz Shah in Kg Sg Penchala for funeral prayers.

The burial, in compliance with standard operating procedures, was attended only by close family members and friends, including Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and Railey’s ex-wife, Datin Sharifah Sheril Aida Syed Kechil.

Shafie said he had known Railey for more than 20 years, and described him as a good leader.

“He cared about the people’s welfare.” – Bernama, December 27, 2020