PONTIAN: Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub was consistent in his efforts to reduce the people's burden, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said that he had lost a friend and a fellow warrior (pejuang) who he had worked hand-in-hand with for many years.
"On behalf of my family, the Cabinet and the government, I would like to express my deepest condolences over the passing of Salahuddin,” said Anwar.
"Salahuddin's name has been synonymous with the Rahmah initiative. He has been very consistent in meetings, in the Cabinet and when he met me,” he added.
He then said that Salahuddin never stopped finding ways to reduce the burden of the people.
Anwar said this to reporters when met after paying his last respects to the late Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister at Kampung Serkat here on Monday (July 24).
"We have lost an important figure. I hope that we will learn from his dedication and motivation," he said.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said that the country has lost a leader with a big heart and has dedicated their lives to the people, especially in finding ways to reduce the cost of living.
“The last time we met was during last week’s Cabinet meeting, and he (Salahuddin) had always come up with an agenda on how to ease the people’s burden.
“Every week he would share his point of view with the Cabinet, and all of us have always been supportive of him, and he is a very hardworking colleague,” he said.
Mohamad added that it is not an easy task to handle Salahuddin’s portfolio, especially with the ongoing issues with goods.
“Despite the many things that people have said, he has continued to work hard and perform the tasks that have been entrusted to him.
“At the end of the day, we are all only humans, and we have truly lost a good friend,” he added.
Meanwhile, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said that the passing of Salahuddin is a great loss to the people of Johor.
