Corporate figure Murad Hashim dies

Corporate figure Datuk Murad Hashim (pic) passed away at age 84, leaving behind wife Datin Kay Hashim and five children.

The former Esso Malaysia director passed away at home in Ukay Heights at about 2.30am yesterday from natural causes.

Murad’s son, Veritas Design Group president David Mizan Hashim, said his father would always make time for his five children despite his busy schedule as a successful corporate figure.

“He would talk to us at the dinner table about the importance of having integrity in life,” David related.

He said Murad was approached to join Petronas by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad after an illustrious career spanning three decades at Esso.

“He had a successful career in Petronas, and left to start the Malaysian Palm Oil Council on request by Dr Mahathir,” he said.

Sunway Group deputy executive chairman Tan Sri Razman M. Hashim remembered his older brother as an “old school” man with strong principles and high discipline.

South Malaysia Industries Bhd (SMIB) Chairman Tan Sri Mohd Ramli Kushairi said he was shocked to find out about Murad’s passing, as they had been good friends for 40 years.

“I have fond memories of him. He was very generous and kindhearted,” he added.

Deputy Education Minister Datuk P. Kamalanathan said he was sad to lose a dear friend, mentor and guide in Murad.

“He was the one who gave me my first break in the public relations field, moulded and encouraged me to become a PR practitioner.

“He was a gem of a soul who looked past colour, religion, class and ethnicity,” he said.

Murad was buried at the Titiwangsa Muslim Cemetery yesterday afternoon.

His younger brother, Star Media Group Bhd executive director Tan Sri Kamal Hashim, passed away in 2016 at age 77.