Assemblyman’s death a huge loss

Shuhaimi greeting the crowd after launching the Sungai Kandis main operations room. — filepic

THE late Sungai Kandis assemblyman Mat Shuhaimi Shafiei, who passed away yesterday, was a committed and responsible representative who was liked by the people of Selangor, said Mentri Besar Amirudin Shari.

Calling Shuhaimi a good friend and a political peer, Amirudin felt grief as did many people after hearing the news of Shuhaimie’s demise.

“His death is a great loss to Selangor and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). His service and sacrifices were invaluable,” he said.

Amirudin was one of the many Pakatan Harapan leaders who posted condolence messages on social media.

Among those who expressed grief were Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin and PKR vice-president Tian Chua.

“This morning, a close companion in the ‘Reformasi’ struggle for the last 20 years left us.

Shuhaimi won Sungai Kandis with 23,998 votes in GE14.

“Shuhaimi was the pioneer of PKR; our party lost a capable activist and extremely hardworking leader.

“He battled against death in the past few months without compromising his duty. It’s indeed a very sad day,” said Tian Chua’s Facebook post.

Shuhaimi, who was the political secretary to Datuk Seri Azmin Ali (now Economic Affairs Minister) during his tenure as Selangor Mentri Besar, died at 11.10am yesterday of lymphatic cancer (lymphoma) at Subang Jaya Medical Centre.

News of his death was first announced by Azmin via his Twitter account at 11.15am.

“Saya amat sedih di atas kehilangan seorang teman sejati dalam perjuangan (I am deeply saddened by the loss of a close associate).”

Shuhaimi served two terms as the Sri Muda assemblyman before winning the Sungai Kandis seat in GE14 with 23,998 votes in a four-cornered fight.

While many were aware of Shuhaimi’s ailment, they were hoping he would live through it given his strong-willed nature.

A group of supporters led by former Shah Alam councillor Ruthira Surasan arranged for a mass prayer for Shuhaimi on Sunday night.

Shuhaimi, from Perak, was someone who worked closely with councillors in his area and the residents’ representatives.

One of those was Kota Kemuning Residents Association secretary Viviene Khoo.

She said Shuhaimi was humble, unpretentious and always listened to their complaints.

Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) corporate communications head Shahrin Ahmad said he was a “people person” and paid close attention to community issues.

Shahrin said his demise was a huge loss to Selangor.

Meanwhile, Kota Raja Keadilan Youth leader Jestin Raj said they were shocked to learn of his death as he was a strong fighter for the party and the rakyat.

“We are going to miss him a lot, especially me, ” he added.

Shuhaimi’s remains were brought to the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah mosque for prayers before he was laid to rest at the Shah Alam Muslim cemetery in Section 21.