KOTA KINABALU: The people of Sabah and the country lost a resolute fighter who championed their rights and well-being with the passing of Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin at a private hospital here at 1.46am on Friday (Dec 5).
Synonymous with the rallying cry ‘Radu Tatap Radu,’ meaning ‘Fight is Always a Fight,’ he was known as an outspoken leader who was brave in voicing the people's issues, and often championed the basic needs of the community, including infrastructure development, roads, clean water, and rural economic opportunities.
Bung Moktar, who was also the Sabah Barisan Nasional Chairman and Sabah Umno Liaison Body Chairman, was born on Sept 15, 1959, in Sukau, Kinabatangan, and held a Master of Philosophy (Policy Analysis and Security) degree from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
He began his career in public service at the Sandakan Department of Special Affairs from 1987 to 1991, before becoming the Mara Sandakan Rural Officer from 1991 to 1992, and was appointed as Political Secretary at the Sabah Ministry of Finance from 1994 to 1999.
The deceased had also held the position of Chairman of the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Felcra), and President of the Sabah Football Association (Safa).
In the 16th Sabah State Election (PRN) in September 2020, he won the Lamag State Assembly (DUN) seat before being appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah and Sabah Minister of Works.
In the recent 17th Sabah State Election, Bung Moktar successfully defended the Lamag seat with a 153-vote majority in a six-cornered contest.
In the 10th General Election in November 1999, he won the Kinabatangan Parliamentary seat and had served as the Member of Parliament for the area for six terms.
In politics, Bung Moktar had held important positions, including as a Member of the Umno Supreme Council and Kinabatangan Umno Division Chief until now.
He also served as the Deputy Chairman of the Barisan Nasional Backbenchers’ Club (BNBBC), proving his influence at the national level.
The deceased is survived by his wives, Datin Seri Nor Asidah Alimuddin and Datin Seri Zizie Izette Abdul Samad, and nine children. - Bernama
