Abdul Hamid’s son: Dad always emphasised religious education

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Zainal Abidin (pic), who died on Tuesday night aged 70, has been described by his children as a father who always emphasised religious education.

His eldest child Husna, 41, said his late father always encouraged his 11 children to pray together.

“After prayers, he always reminded us about the tasks and responsibilities of every family member according to the teachings of Islam,” he said here yesterday.

Abdul Hamid always impressed upon his family that while he did not leave behind a lot of material wealth, whatever religious knowledge and wisdom he imparted could be used as a guide to living so that they would be blessed in the present world and the hereafter.

He also asked the family to seek the assistance of the Armed Forces Religious Corp (Kagat) to handle his remains.

Abdul Hamid was the first Kagat director when he held the post from 1985 to 1995.

Born in Bagan Datoh, Perak on Feb 20, 1944, he was a minister in the Prime Minister's Department from 2001 to 2004. He also served as Mara chairman from 2004 to 2008.

Prior to that, he was the director-general of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) from 1995 to 2001.

Abdul Hamid was appointed a senator from 2001 until 2004 and became MP for Parit Buntar following the 11th general election.

He was also chosen as the National Ma'al Hijrah Personality 2013. — Bernama