SABAH observes a day of sombre reflection as the state bid farewell to Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, a towering figure in Sabah politics whose decades-long career left a profound imprint on both local and national governance.
The 66-year-old Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman, Kinabatangan Member of Parliament, and recently re-elected Lamag assemblyman passed away at 1.46am at a private hospital following treatment for kidney failure and a severe lung infection, his son Naim Kurniawan Moktar confirmed.
News of his passing prompted an outpouring of grief, with his residence at Idang Residen in Luyang drawing friends, family, political leaders, and supporters from the early hours of Friday morning.
Among those paying tribute were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, as well as colleagues and well-wishers offering condolences to the family of one of Sabah’s most recognisable and influential political figures.
At 10am, Bung’s remains were transported to Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Masjid Bandaraya) for the ritual cleansing, accompanied by close family members in a deeply emotional procession.
The Islamic funeral prayer (solat jenazah) will follow Friday prayers, with interment scheduled at Kampung Likas cemetery.
Datin Seri Zizie Izette A. Samad, Bung’s widow, arrived at 9.30am with their four children and embraced the late politician’s first wife, Datin Nor Asidah Alimuddin, before entering the room where his body lay, marking a poignant moment of unity amidst grief.
Sabah Umno secretary Datuk Jafry Ariffin revealed that Bung had been admitted to the hospital’s intensive care unit the previous afternoon in critical condition.
Bung first assumed office as Kinabatangan MP in 1999 and had maintained the seat ever since, additionally serving as Lamag assemblyman since 2020. He retained his Lamag seat in the recent 17th Sabah state election, narrowly winning by 153 votes in a six-cornered contest.
State dignitaries lauded his contributions. Yang Dipertua Negeri Sabah Tun Musa Aman reflected, “During his lifetime, he made significant contributions to Sabah, particularly in his capacity as Deputy Chief Minister and Member of Parliament for Kinabatangan. All his contributions will be remembered by the people of Sabah.”
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor added, “As a long-time friend, I am deeply saddened and have been especially mindful of him during his illness. On behalf of my family and the state government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Bung Moktar. May Allah bestow His mercy upon his soul and grant him a place among the righteous.”
Bung Moktar Radin’s legacy endures as a testament to his tenacity, grassroots engagement, and steadfast presence in Sabah’s political arena, leaving an indelible mark on the state and its people for generations to come.
Laid to Rest
The late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin was laid to rest at the Kampung Likas Muslim Cemetery here at 2.10pm today.
A sombre atmosphere enveloped the burial ground as more than 1,000 people, including family members and close friends, gathered to pay their final respects. Many were visibly moved, reflecting the deep sense of loss felt by the community following the passing of the prominent leader.
The hearse arrived at the cemetery at 1.45pm after the funeral prayer was performed at the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. - December 5, 2025
