Former Johor speaker Mohamad Aziz laid to rest

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad (in green) pouring rose water on the grave of the former Johor speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Aziz who was laid to rest at the burial grounds at Bukit Aliff Muslim cemetery, Johor Baru on Friday (Dec 25).

JOHOR BARU: Former Johor speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Aziz was laid to rest in the burial grounds at Bukit Aliff Muslim cemetery at about 10am, here.

The burial process for the 80-year-old man was also accompanied by "talkin" prayers by the Johor chief Imam Makhadzir Abdan Al-Hafiz.

Also present at the cemetery was Johor Religious Islamic Department adviser Datuk Noh Gadut, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad and Johor state secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani.

Meanwhile, Hasni said that Mohamad's death was a great loss for the state and the country as he had contributed towards the betterment of the nation during his stint as the speaker, assemblyman, councillor and Umno deputy permanent chairman.

It is learnt that he died due to old age at Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI) at 10.10pm.

“The whole country has lost one of the great leaders that helped unify the Malays in the state through the political arena especially when dealing with issues that are challenging.

“In his retirement days, he had spent a lot of time being with his family and friends and to his last day, he still thinks of the future of our generations. He truly is one of the leaders worthy of praise, ” he said when met by reporters at the burial ground.

Meanwhile, Johor Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Ayub Jamil said that Mohamad was one of the leaders who played an active role in helping the community at the grassroots level.

“He spends his working days fighting for the people, being their voice, helping them through hardships, especially the people in Batu Pahat, ” he said.

His body was earlier brought to his home at Jalan Kemuncak in Taman Nong Chik here before being brought to Bukit Aliff Muslim cemetery.

Mohamad had previously held the position as the Johor state speaker from 2013 to 2018, and the assemblyman for Parit Yaani and Sri Gading MP from 1986 to 2013.

He also held the position as the state executive councillor as the Social Development and Public Welfare chairman and was also the Umno permanent chairman from 2008 to 2018.

Former Umno president and prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak paid tribute to the late Mohamad in a Facebook post.

“Condolences to the family of Mohamad, who is the former Umno deputy permanent chairman and Sri Gading who passed away.

“May his soul be blessed and placed with those who are pious, ” he added.