Salahuddin's a great loss to Domestic Trade Ministry, says Johor director

JOHOR BARU: The passing of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub (pic) is a great loss to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, says the state ministry director Lilis Saslinda Pormono.

She said the minister was seen as a father figure who was strict but soft at the same time.

"He is a very good person and will always give his fullest support to our programmes, especially those involving the people's welfare such as the Rahmah initiative. He will always try his best to make the time to attend them.

"When giving a speech, he will always start by reminding civil servants in the ministry to always listen to the beat of the people.

"He told us to make sure that the people do not sleep with an empty stomach," she said.

She said this to the press when met after the state-level Interactive User Challenge programme at a mall in Johor Baru here.

Lilis Saslinda said although Salahuddin was only appointed as a minister less than a year before he passed away, many have already developed a close bond with him.

"The loss of Salahuddin has left a huge mark on us but we will continue to hold on to his advice in serving the people," she said.

Salahuddin, who was also Parti Amanah Negara deputy president, passed away at 9.23pm at Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah (HSB) in Alor Setar, Kedah on Sunday (July 23).

Salahuddin, 61, was laid to rest at the Jalan Sulong Muslim cemetery in Kampung Serkat at 12.05pm on Monday (July 24).