Leaders pay tribute to Sharifah’s devotion

JOHOR BARU: National and state leaders have expressed their condolences to the family of the late Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain.

The Mahkota assemblyman, 64, passed away in Kluang yesterday, a week after she was first hospitalised following health complications.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim posted on X: “May her family be granted strength and patience, and may Allah forgive all her sins and grant her the best in Jannah.”

Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof also offered their condolences to Sharifah Azizah’s family.

Ahmad Zahid, who is Umno president, said he had with all his heart prayed that she would recover and continue her struggle with the party.

“However, Allah SWT loves her more. We have lost a female warrior who was very committed and loyal to the party and deeply concerned about the community,” he said.

In a post on Facebook, Fadillah prayed that the Sharifah Azizah’s soul be placed among the faithful.

MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, too, mourned the passing of the Kluang Wanita Umno chief, adding that her demise would be felt not only by the people of Mahkota but also by all Johoreans.

“I have witnessed her strength and diligence in serving the people. Her contribution and devotion to society and the country will be remembered forever,” said the Ayer Hitam MP, who is also Johor MCA chief.

Wanita Umno chief Datuk Noraini Ahmad said Malaysia has lost a leader who contributed much to the local community.

“Even though she was unwell, she still worked and carried out her responsibilities as a leader. She put the community before herself,” said the Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister.Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said Sharifah Azizah, fondly known as Ummi, was an approachable leader loved by many.

“I was very sad upon receiving the news of her passing. Her contribution and service to Johor, especially the Mahkota constituency, will not be forgotten,” he said.

Johor Umno information chief Datuk Md Jais Sarday said he had known Sharifah Azizah for about 40 years.

“We have lost a long-serving Umno member. We may have had our differences, but we were still a family in Umno,” said Md Jais, the Kluang Umno division chief.

He added that Sharifah Azizah had not been well for some time but continued to do her best to serve her constituents in Kluang.

Johor MIC chief R. Vidyananthan said her contribution and service to the state will never be forgotten, while Johor Pakatan Harapan chairman and Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong also took to social media to express his condolences to Sharifah Azizah’s family.