Daud’s passing a great loss to Malaysians, says Zahid

KUCHING: The demise of former assistant minister in the Chief Minister’s Office ( Islamic Affairs), the late Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman, is a great loss to Malaysians, particularly Sarawakians.

In stating this, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described Daud as a leader who cared for the people’s welfare, particularly orphans, and who was especially concerned on matters relating to the Islamic religion in the state.

“He is well known because he put emphasis on religious matters especially education and nonIslamic religion and cared for the orphans.”

Zahid said this after paying his last respects to Daud at the latter’s home in Laruh Skim, Jalan Matang Baru here on Sunday night.

The deputy prime minister was accompanied by Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and other state dignitaries.

All performed special prayers at Daud’s home together with

He is well known because he put emphasis on religious matters especially education and non-Islamic religion and cared for the orphans. Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister

State Imam Ustaz Mustapha Kamal Ahmad Fauzi.

Zahid also took some time to console and gave moral support to Duad’s widow Datin Noraini Hussin and her family members.

When met, Abang Johari said he knew Daud quite well since school days.

“The late Daud was a person who cared for the people. I knew him since our time at school before we both became youth leaders for PBB ( Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu) Satok. He then went on to become Tupong assemblyman. He served the people well,” said Abang Johari, who is also PBB president and Satok assemblyman.

Daud, 65, passed away at 4.10pm on Sunday at Timberland Medical Centre here following a heart complication.

He was a five-term Tupong assemblyman since 1991. He did not seek re- election in 2016 state election and his place as Barisan Nasional ( BN) candidate was taken over by Fazzruddin Abdul Rahman.

Among other members of the state cabinet who paid their last respects to Daud were deputy chief ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

Some members of the opposition also paid their last respects to Daud.

Parti Islam SeMalaysia ( PAS) Sarawak commissioner Jofri Jaraiee said Daud’s passing is a great loss to the people and Muslims in particular and urged his family members to be patient and calm.

Daud was laid to rest at Gita Muslim cemetery here yesterday morning.