KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 — Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described the country as having lost a great leader with the passing of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayob last night.
Through a post on his Facebook, Zahid described Salahuddin as a colleague in the Unity Government whom he respected a lot, humble and committed to carrying out his responsibilities.
"Until the end of his life, he was concerned and continued to fight for the well-being of the people. The country lost a great leader.
"Let's together pray that Allah will have mercy on him and give patience to his family over this loss," he said.
Salahuddin died at 9.23pm yesterday at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Alor Setar, Kedah. He was 61.
The news of the death of the Pulai MP, who was also Simpang Jeram assemblyman, was confirmed by his daughter Fatihah through her Facebook.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, on his Facebook, also conveyed his condolences to Salahuddin's family.
"May his soul be blessed and placed among the believers and righteous...amin," he said.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister and Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu described Salahuddin as an active Cabinet member who worked tirelessly to ensure there was no sharp rise in the prices of goods in the country.
Mohamad said Salahuddin was also an individual synonymous with the concept of Rahmah, which provided benefits to the people, especially in dealing with issues concerning the cost of living.
“He was a persistent person and when he was domestic trade and cost of living minister he was very active, especially in ensuring the price of goods did not escalate. He worked so hard, including meeting companies and employers.
“Everyone is aware of this, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who said he was one of the ministers who was persistent in carrying out his duties,” he told reporters when met at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Alor Setar, Kedah last night.
Mohamad said his friendship with the deceased began in his 20s during their days in PAS Youth, and admitted that his sudden demise will greatly affect him.
"His remains will be flown to his mother’s residence in Tanjung Piai, Pontian in Johor on a special flight which is expected to depart at 1am,” he said.
Meanwhile, DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng was full of praise for Salahuddin’s character and services in sowing the seeds of hope for the country’s future.
“I am profoundly sad about the demise of my friend and comrade-in-arms, Salahuddin. My condolences to his family, may they be patient in facing this test,” he said.
Malaysian United Democratic Alliance party president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, in expressing his condolences to Salahuddin’s family, thanked him for his services to the nation.
—Bernama
