Rafidah’s husband dies of heart attack

Full of sorrow: Rafidah grieving over the death of the late Mohamed Basir who was buried at the Bukit Kiara Burial Ground. -Bernama

SINGAPORE: Former Maybank chairman Tan Sri Mohamed Basir Ahmad (pic, left) has died of a heart attack at the Singapore General Hospital.

The 75-year-old, who is the husband of former International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, passed away at 3.51am yesterday.

Mohamed Basir was admitted to the hospital on Friday evening, according to his son Alfian.

Mohamed Basir had served as Maybank chairman for 16 years, after joining the bank as a director on Aug 5, 1993.

This followed his retirement from Bank Negara Malaysia where he had served as adviser since 1980.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak tweeted his condolences upon learning of Mohamed Basir’s passing.

“I have extended my condolences to Tan Sri (Rafidah) over her husband’s passing,” he wrote.

Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil described Basir as a gentleman who supported women’s cause.

“Beside every successful woman is a patient and supportive man and Basir was the epitome of that. He provided stability and support for Tan Sri Rafidah to move ahead and it is so important for anyone in national politics to have that,” said Shahrizat.