Ruler: Adib’s death felt by all M’sians

Selangor Ruler hails late firefighter’s heroic sacrifice for the nation

PETALING JAYA: The passing of firefighter Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim is felt by all Malaysians due to his ultimate sacrifice for the country, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said.

The Selangor Ruler and his consort, Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, conveyed their condolences to the late fireman’s family in a letter to his father, saying they were saddened by the news.

“We want to express our sympathies and condolences to the family members and hope that they will be strong in facing this challenge.

“His departure is felt by all the people and we believe that the sacrifice of our hero is noble as per religion, race and nation,” the Ruler stated.

Federal Territories mufti Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri, in a Facebook posting on Monday night, said Muhammad Adib’s death was sad news for all Malaysians.

“We express our condolences to his family on the death of their beloved. This is indeed very heavy to bear. We hope our prayers will grant them patience and strength.

“This is a sad day for all Malaysians. We demand that this tragedy does not end here. It (the investigation) should be resolved as soon as possible by the authorities,” Dr Zulkifli said.

Muhammad Adib died on Monday night from injuries sustained from the Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman Temple riots in USJ25, Subang Jaya, on Nov 27.

On Sunday, the National Heart Institute (IJN) said the fireman’s condition was critical after he suffered progressive deterioration of his lung and kidney function.

Save Seafield Mariamman Temple taskforce committee chairman S. Ramaji extended the group’s condolences to the family and sought a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Violence is not and will never be a solution to any problem,” he said.

Malaysia Hindu Sangam president Datuk R.S. Mohan Shan said Muhammad Adib’s loss was a lesson to all.

“We have let our ego and sentiments run amok at the cost of an innocent life. Everyone responsible for this should be brought to justice,” he said.

Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism vice-president Jagir Singh said Muhammad Adib’s passing was painful as the latter was merely carrying out his duties.

Council of Churches of Malaysia secretary-general Rev Dr Hermen Shastri said Muhammad Adib should be an inspiration to all Malaysians as he had put the lives of others before his own.

“We pray that all quarters will remain calm and allow the police to conclude their investigation and for due process of the law to take its course,” he said.

Moderation advocate Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin said the death of Muhammad Adib should not be turned into a racial issue.

“We should have confidence that the police will do all that is necessary to bring the perpetrators to justice,” she said.

Another moderation advocate, Datuk Seri Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos, said Malaysians should honour Muhammad Adib’s death by reminding themselves that vio- lence had an “irretrievable end”.

Writer and social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir also extended her condolences to Muhammad Adib’s family and called on Malaysians to ponder over the unfortunate incident.

Hoping that his death would not be in vain, Marina said the incident would serve as a wake-up call to all that violence had its consequences in that innocent lives could be lost.

Muhammad Adib suffered fractured ribs and internal injuries, and was treated at Subang Jaya Medical Centre before being transferred to IJN.

His remains were brought to his hometown in Kampung Tebengau, Kedah, after final rites and prayers were conducted at IJN on Monday night.

He was buried at the Masjid As-Saadah cemetery.