Elmina plane crash: Political leaders express condolences over Johari’s death

KUANTAN: Condolences from colleagues and rivals alike continue to pour in for Pahang exco member Datuk Seri Johari Harun who perished in the Elmina plane crash.

Pahang state assembly Deputy Speaker Lee Chin Chen said he was shocked by the news as he had just met with Johari a few days ago while attending a district action meeting.

"He was very firm and efficient in his work. Several issues were successfully resolved with his help and efficiency.

"Today, I also sent him a WhatsApp message about several matters, but unfortunately I won't get an answer because he had left us all," Lee said in a Facebook post on Thursday (Aug 17).

Pahang MCA Youth chief Wong Siew Mun described Johari as a people-friendly and diligent leader.

"I often contact him about Bentong issues and developments. It's a huge loss to the people.

"May his soul be placed among the pious. Condolences to his family and may they be given the strength to face this test," she said.

Fellow state exco member Fadzli Mohamad Kamal said Johari was a colleague whom he very much respected.

"He was a person who was very persistent, committed, focused and dedicated to his work. A great loss for the state of Pahang and all the people of Pelangai," said Fadzli, who is the state chairman of the communications and multimedia, youth, sports and non-governmental organisations committee.

Pahang PAS commissioner Rosli Abdul Jabar described Johari's passing as a great loss because he was a leader seen as being very committed to the trust given to him.

"This was even though he was still new in holding the positions of exco member and state assemblyman. In addition to that, he was also a figure well-liked by friends and opponents," he said.

Johari was a first-term Pelangai assemblyman who won the state seat in the 15th General Election.

He was subsequently appointed as the state local government, housing, environment and green technology committee chairman.

Amanah's Ahmed Wafiuddin Shamsuri, who represented Pakatan Harapan in facing Johari in the last general election, said they never held grudges even though they collided in political battle.

"His great soul gave me a new perspective on the world of politics. Despite different political beliefs, my confidence in Johari to lead Pelangai was very high.

"His greatness and efficiency could not be denied. He was also one of the leaders in Pahang whom I believed was capable of leading the state in the future," said Ahmed.

He also recalled Johari giving him words of encouragement on nomination day.

"He said 'Wafi, after the general election, who wins and who loses, let us all help the community in Pelangai later. After the general election, there is no longer the term enemy',

"Datuk Seri, I leave a prayer in sadness for this loss. Thank you for your unrequited service. Thank you for everything, especially in Pelangai," said Ahmed.