Leaders pay tribute to late Sabah politician Joseph Kurup
Leaders have extended their condolences to the family of Tan Sri Joseph Kurup (pic) following his passing.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said Kurup’s contributions and sacrifices would be remembered by the nation.
“My deepest condolences to the family. To Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup (who is the son) and family, may you be strong in accepting his passing,” Anwar in a Facebook post.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Kurup was a friend, who had always enthusiastically supported the party through thick and thin.
He said on behalf of Barisan Nasional, he would like to record his deepest condolences to Arthur and family in facing this test.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said Kurup’s death was a great loss to the people.
“My heartfelt condolences to the family members of Kurup, who was the former president of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) and a prominent figure to the people of Sabah,” he said.
Kurup, 80, passed away due to heart complications yesterday.
Former PBRS secretary-general Datuk Johson Tee said Kurup, who had been unwell in recent months, died at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur at 7pm.
Kurup was among the founding members of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), led by Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, which toppled the Berjaya government in 1985.
After the 1994 state election, the PBS government ended after a mass exodus of assemblymen, including Kurup, who crossed over to PBRS, which supported the Barisan government.
During his 40 years in politics, Kurup had held numerous ministerial posts, including minister in the prime minister’s department, natural resources and environment deputy minister, and rural and regional deputy minister.
In the state, Kurup had served as deputy chief minister, finance, as well as agriculture and fisheries ministers.