Musa Aman: He was a loyal ally and friend
KOTA KINABALU: The late Tan Sri Joseph Kurup was not only a political ally, but also a loyal friend who was open to discussions and upheld the Barisan Nasional (BN) spirit of mutual cooperation and respect, said former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Musa Aman.
“While serving as Sabah chief minister, I had the opportunity to work with Tan Sri Kurup, then president of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), an unwavering ally of BN.
“He was a seasoned politician having held several ministerial posts during a career that spanned four decades.
“As founder of PBRS, Tan Sri Kurup was the bedrock of the party and was president from its inception till he retired early last year.
“In this regard, he was a party man and kept PBRS together against all odds before passing the torch to his son, Datuk Arthur Kurup, upon retiring from politics last year.
“As a partner in BN, he remained steadfast till the end, not abandoning his friends in their hour of need,” he said in a statement.
Musa also extended condolences on behalf of his wife, Puan Sri Faridah Tussin and his family, to Puan Sri Melinda and the family.
United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) president Datuk Ewon Benedick said the party had a history of close relations with PBRS.
“As a leader, the late Tan Sri Joseph gave his best to our people and our nation. His passing is a loss, but also a tribute to his services.
“I have contacted Datuk Arthur to convey my condolences and that of the Upko party on the passing of his beloved father, Tan Sri Joseph Kurup.
“I pray that Datuk Arthur and his family are given strength and solace,” he said on his Facebook post.