Ex-Selangor MB Harun dies at 79

BY DALILAH IBRAHIM

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Selangor mentri besar Datuk Seri Harun Idris, who died after suffering from a stroke at his residence in Taman Duta here, was laid to rest at the Jalan Ampang Muslim cemetery yesterday. 

He was 79.  

Harun leaves behind wife Datin Seri Salmah Sulaiman, 63, six children, 18 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. 

His daughter, Rozita, said that her father became unconscious at about 8am and was taken to the Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre an hour later. 

He was pronounced dead at 2.45pm. 

“We had a kenduri last night at the house as both my parents were expected to leave for Mecca to perform the umrah on Wednesday,” she said. 

OFFERING CONDOLENCES:Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah consoling Salmah at her residenceyesterday.Also present were (from left)Dr Khir,Najib and Abdullah.

Hundreds of relatives and friends paid their respects at the house including Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Information Minister Tan Sri Khalil Yaakob, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Khir Toyo and Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib. 

Abdullah said Harun's death was a loss to the Malays and the nation. 

“He was a diligent leader who brought a lot of significant changes for the benefit of everyone. His contributions to the country's development, especially in Selangor, cannot be forgotten,” he said. 

Abdullah also said that Harun had contributed in many other fields, especially towards Umno. 

Muhammad, who was also a former Selangor mentri besar, said Harun had shaped the political scene in Selangor. 

“He was a pioneer in promoting urbanised thinking for the Malays in Selangor and began the urbanisation process of the state,” he said, adding that Harun influenced many young Malays to move to the urban areas. 

Khalil said even though Harun was no longer active in Umno, he had made lasting and significant contributions. 

“He is still the symbol of Umno's struggles and history,” he added. 

Dr Khir said apart from modernising Selangor, there were many state laws that were enacted during Harun's tenure. 

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