Former FAM vice-president dies
IPOH: Former Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) vice-president Datuk Seri Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar died of lung infection yesterday. He was 61.
His 20-year-old daughter, Raja Nur Dzhoriifah, said she did not expect their visit to Kuala Lumpur last Saturday to be their last family trip together.
“We went to Kuala Lumpur as Papa wanted to buy our baju raya and also break fast there. However, Papa only bought ours and his,” she said.
Raja Nur Dzhoriifah said when they reached home, her father was complaining of stomachache during pre-dawn meal (sahur) and fever on Monday.
“But, he only asked to be brought to the KPJ Hospital here on Wednesday and was there since then.
“He was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) the next day, but his condition was stable until afternoon.
“Although he looked so weak, Papa could talk to us and answer all the phone calls from his friends,” said the youngest daughter who fought to hold back her tears.
She added that her father’s condition worsened after that and by 5pm, he was unconscious.
The doctor had told the family that some of his internal organs had shut down and he was in a comatose state.
“At about 2.30am, the doctor had called, asking us to come to the hospital as he was in a critical condition,” she said, adding that her father died at the hospital at 8.30am.
Raja Nur Dzhoriifah said her father’s death was a rude shock to the family as he did not have any history of illness.
“Papa was an easygoing and happy person. He did not show any sign that he would be leaving us. At the hospital, he told us to wait for him as he would recover and return home soon,” she added.
Raja Ahmad, who was the former Larut member of parliament, is survived by his wife, Datin Seri Sabaniah Ahmad Sabri, 56, son Raja Ahmad Zhafir, 28, and daughters, Raja Nur Dzafirah, 23, and Raja Nur Dzhoriifah.
His body was taken to the Surau Syed Muhamad Jamalullail in Kampung Rapat, Ampang, here, for prayers and buried at Jalan Bendahara Muslims Cemetery after Friday prayers at 3pm.
Present were former Perak Menteri Besar Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib and Tan Sri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and his wife, Datin Seri Saripah Zulkifli also paid their last respects.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak extended his condolences to the late Raja Ahmad’s family via his Twitter account yesterday.
“May his soul be blessed. AlFatihah,” said the prime minister.