Tun Rahah to be accorded state funeral

PETALING JAYA: The late Tun Rahah Mohd Noah (pic) will be accorded a state funeral and buried at the National Heroes Mausoleum within the grounds of the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur today.

The widow of second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein passed away yesterday, aged 87.

The death of Rahah, who is mother of the sixth prime minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, elicited tributes from all over, crossing even the political divide.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdulllah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah were among those who expressed their condolences.

“Their Majesties both expressed their hope that the entire family of the late Tun Rahah be patient and remain steadfast in this season of sadness.

“Their Majesties pray that the soul of Allahyarhamah be blessed by Allah and be placed among the righteous,” said the Istana Negara Facebook page.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, on behalf of the Government and people, extended his condolences to Najib and his family.“The Government has decided to give Allahyarhamah a state funeral and burial,” he said.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong noted that Rahah had contributed a lot to Malaysia’s development.“During her life, Tun Rahah always reminded women to be involved actively in various activities as well as by contributing and serving towards the development of the country.

“The departure of Tun Rahah is felt by all Malaysians,” he said on his Facebook page.

Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said he was sad to hear about Rahah’s passing.

“My condolences to the family of Allahyarhamah. May she be placed among the righteous,” he tweeted.

MIC information secretary Subash Chandrabose also offered his sympathies.

“Condolences to Najib and his family on the passing of their beloved mother, Tun Rahah. We hope Najib and his family remain strong to weather these tough times,” he tweeted.

Deputy Speaker Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said also prayed for everyone in the family to be given strength, while Federal Territories Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa also tweeted words of sympathy.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who is Rahah’s nephew, expressed sadness over the loss of a person he described as a “dearly loved aunt”.

“During my growing up years, I was under her care a lot. She was a loving, kind and strong person.

“When the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein passed away, Tun Rahah was only 43.

“I am impressed with the resilience shown in raising five boys, who are my cousins.

“My deepest condolences to them,” he said in a Facebook post.

PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also offered a message of sympathy.

“Condolences to Najib and his family. I am saddened and pray that her soul be blessed,” he tweeted.

Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari also conveyed similar sentiments.

“Condolences to Najib and his family. May the soul of Allahyarhamah be showered with blessings and placed in heaven with full blessings,” he said.

In a tweet, Najib expressed his sadness of his mother’s passing at the Prince Court Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

“Bonda (mother) is no longer. The sadness and tears are flowing. There are no words to describe this loss.

“Mum was akin to a guiding light in my life. My world now seems like it is in darkness. No more shining light,” he said.

On Thursday, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Perak Ruler Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, and Muhyiddin, were among the dignitaries who visited Rahah at the hospital.

Born in Muar, Johor, in 1933, Rahah is the daughter of the late Tan Sri Mohammad Noah Omar, one of the founders of Umno who went on to become the first Dewan Rakyat speaker.

Rahah married Abdul Razak on Sept 4, 1952, and the couple were blessed with Najib, former CIMB Group chairman Datuk Seri Nazir, Datuk Ahmad Johari, Datuk Mohamed Nizam and Datuk Mohamed Nazim.