MUAR: Former The Star journalist Hamdan Raja Abdullah (pic) was a true newsman and a jovial person.
Hamdan, affectionately known as Pok by those around him, passed away peacefully at his home in Muar at about 9.15pm on Tuesday. He was 75.
He started work with The Star on April 22, 1991, and retired as a senior writer on July 1, 2013.
Apart from working as a journalist, Hamdan also penned several novels and collections of short stories throughout his career.
His brother-in-law Rizal Abdullah said the veteran journalist lived his life to the fullest despite being handicapped.
“He was never a burden to anyone,” he said, adding that they were both close as they worked with The Star together at the Johor bureau.
Rizal said that Hamdan, who loved classical movies and old songs, was well-liked by everyone.
Hamdan was buried at the Kampung Temiang Muslim cemetery here.
He is survived by four children and eight grandchildren. His wife passed away in 2014.
Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng said Hamdan was a dedicated journalist and serious about his work.
“He was a jovial person who always had time to talk to anyone.
“Hamdan will be missed; he will always be part of The Star family,” she said.
The Star’s chief news editor Mazwin Nik Anis said Hamdan was a true newsman and that nothing could stop him from chasing a scoop.
“He inspired us to give our best, no matter what the circumstances were.
“The lessons he taught us about having good work ethics, discipline and dedication will continue to guide us,” she added.
The Star’s Johor bureau chief Nelson Benjamin, who described him as a good friend, said he was also a good mentor when he first got transferred to the state as the new bureau chief.
“Pok always took his work seriously despite his disability and went to great lengths to get a story.
“He also had a great sense of humour and was good at listening to people’s problems,” Benjamin said, adding that Hamdan had also put many people, especially politicians, on the spot with his daring questions during press conferences.
