Salahuddin’s death ‘a huge loss’ for the country

KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah have expressed their condolences to the family of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, who passed away on Sunday.

In a post on Istana Negara’s Facebook page, Their Majesties expressed their sadness over the passing of the minister and hoped that his entire family would be patient and persevere in facing this moment of grief.

“Their Majesties pray that the soul of the deceased will be blessed by Allah and be placed among the pious and the righteous.

“Their Majesties appreciate all the contributions, deeds and services rendered by Salahuddin to the country and described his death as a huge loss for the people and the country,” said the post, Bernama reported.

Salahuddin, 61, passed away at Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah in Alor Setar, Kedah, at 9.23pm on Sunday.

Born on Dec 1, 1961, he was first appointed to the Cabinet as the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister from 2018 to 2020.

After the 15th General Election on Nov 19 last year, the Pulai MP was appointed Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister.

Sad affair: Anwar paying his last respects to Salahuddin while the deceased’s mother, Aminah Abdullah, looks on in Pontian, Johor. — Bernama

In PONTIAN, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Salahuddin’s legacy of working to help the people, including the much-lauded Rahmah initiative, should be continued.

He added that Salahuddin’s name had been synonymous with the Rahmah initiative.

“He was very consistent in meetings in the Cabinet and when he met me. He never stopped finding ways to reduce the burden on the people.

“We have lost an important figure. I hope that we will learn from his dedication and motivation,” he said after leading the funeral prayers for Salahuddin at Masjid Jamek Dato’ Haji Noh Gadot.

Anwar had arrived earlier with his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Rahmah initiative that was championed by Salahuddin will be continued.

“He worked hard in planning the details of the Rahmah initiative.

“This initiative should be carried on by whoever is appointed minister to replace him,” he said.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Salahuddin was always coming up with ideas to ease the people’s economic burden, which is no mean feat.

“He worked hard and performed the tasks that were entrusted to him,” he said.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the passing of Salahuddin is a great loss to the people of Johor.

Among others who came to pay their last respects to Salahuddin were Amanah president and Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, as well as other political party leaders.

Salahuddin was Amanah deputy president.