Former Penang DCM fondly remembered for his positive influence

BUTTERWORTH: Former Penang deputy chief minister Datuk

Seri Abdul

Rashid Abdullah

(pic), who passed away due to lung infection, was a stern and disciplined man who did not believe in procrastinating.

Nibong Tebal Umno Youth chief Mohd Noorhiesham Ismail, who had served as special assistant to the 70-year-old Abdul Rashid from 2005 and 2008, said Abdul Rashid had influenced his career.

“I gained so much of knowledge while working with him and I’m thankful for his guidance which helped me become a division Youth chief today,” he said.

Mohd Noorhiesham said he was told that Abdul Rashid collapsed at his house on Tuesday and was hospitalised for treatment.

“I was shocked when I was informed of his death,” he added.

Abdul Rashid received treatment for lung infection at the Seberang Jaya Hospital and was warded for three days before he succumbed to the illness yesterday.

He leaves behind his wife Datin Seri Rabaayah Md Naim and three children.

His remains were brought to his house in Taman Tambun Indah for burial at the Sungai Bakap Muslim cemetery.

Abdul Rashid had held several positions including as Information Ministry assistant secretary in the 1970s, Ministry of National and Rural Development vice-secretary and also deputy director-general of the Socio-Economic Research Unit in the Prime Minister’s Department from 1988 to 1989.

He joined politics in 1993 and became the Sungai Bakap assemblyman after winning the seat in the 2004 General Election.