KOTA KINABALU – Tributes have been pouring in for the late Bersatu supreme council member Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin, who succumbed to Covid-19 this morning.
Sabah Chief Minister and Sabah Bersatu chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor expressed his condolences and said the country, especially Sabah, has lost a community figure.
“Allahyarham’s services and contributions have been highly valuable and meaningful to the state and the country.
“He was once Sabah deputy chief minister, Sabah minister of agriculture and food industry, deputy minister of transport, deputy minister of housing and local government, Klias assemblyman and Beaufort MP.
“As a Bersatu supreme council member, Lajim had been a valuable leader, contributing his time and giving advice to the party,” Hajiji said in a statement today.
Lajim, who was also executive chairman for Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, succumbed to Covid-19 at KPJ Specialist Hospital here at 6.23am today.
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili said that he had lost a friend and a comrade.
“Lajim was very passionate in politics, a veteran and seasoned politician who contributed greatly to the development of Beaufort.
“On behalf of PBS, I would like to bid goodbye to our good friend. Our deepest condolences to his family – his wife Datin Normilah Siong, and their children.
“You have fought your fight, and you fought hard. You will be remembered. Rest now, my friend. May God bless your soul, and may your soul rest in peace,” he said on Facebook.
Sabah Pakatan Harapan and state PKR chief Datuk Christina Liew also expressed her condolences, and said she hopes that Normilah and her children will remain strong during this difficult time.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister and state Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, also said that the state has lost a great leader, while he lost a close friend today.
“Lajim’s passing is a huge loss to the people in Sabah, especially Beaufort,” Bung said.
“I was shocked to learn the news because Lajim and I had been close when we were both in Umno and were the Supreme Council members at the time.
“I lost a good friend, and together with my family and Sabah Umno, we convey our condolences to Normilah and her family,” he said.
Bung Moktar said Lajim will be remembered as a leader who had contributed to the development of Sabah.
Lajim’s special officer Ismail Norazman said the body will be transferred to Kg Kebatu in Beaufort, the deceased’s hometown, for burial.
Lajim, 66, tested positive for Covid-19 on August 12, after returning from a working visit with the chief minister in Kudat that morning.
The former Beaufort MP had a history of chronic illnesses, including heart and kidney problems.
Lajim was screened at Gleneagles Hospital Kota Kinabalu and admitted to KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital on August 13.
After his health deteriorated, the hospital decided to place him under an induced coma on Tuesday.
Ismail said the hospital earlier informed that Lajim’s oxygen levels showed good progress during treatment, but his condition deteriorated early today. – The Vibes, August 29, 2021
