PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil have extended their condolences to the family of former Padang Besar MP Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin, who died in Penang yesterday at the age of 65.
Zahidi was laid to rest at the Bayan Lepas Muslim Cemetery in Penang after Isyak prayers on Nov 13.
In a Facebook post, Anwar expressed sadness over Zahidi's passing and prayed for his soul to receive Allah SWT's forgiveness and mercy.
“May Allah SWT forgive all his sins, have mercy on him and shower His blessings upon his soul.
“May his family be granted strength and patience in facing this great loss,” he said.
Fahmi also conveyed his condolences on behalf of the Communications Ministry and its staff.
“On behalf of everyone at the Communications Ministry, I extend my condolences to the family and friends of the late Zahidi.
“May they be granted strength, patience and fortitude in facing this loss,” he said, urging the public to pray for the deceased.
Zahidi served as Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister from March 2020 to November 2022 under the administrations of former prime ministers Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He was also Padang Besar MP for two terms from 2013 to 2022 and Beseri state assemblyman from 1999 to 2008.
In Perlis, he served as a state executive councillor from 1999 to 2006 during the administration of then Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim.
He was chairman of the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) from September 2015 to December 2018 and also headed the Malaysian International Islamic Cooperation Institute (IKIAM).
A former Umno leader, Zahidi later joined PKR.
In the 15th General Election in 2022, he contested the Padang Besar parliamentary seat as an independent candidate after being dropped by Barisan Nasional, but lost in a five-cornered contest won by Perikatan Nasional's Rushdan Rusmi. - November 14, 2026