Leaders convey condolences upon Siti Zaharah's death

KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Bernama) -- Several government and party leaders expressed their condolences to the family of former Minister of National Unity and Community Development, Tan Sri Dr. Siti Zaharah Sulaiman, who died last night.

Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, in a Facebook post said Siti Zaharah, who was also a former UMNO Wanita chief, had been a close friend of his late mother.

"Al-Fatihah for my late mother’s dear friend. I never heard of her being unwell.

"I pray that her soul be blessed by Allah and placed among the faithful. My condolences to her entire family," he wrote.

Women, Family, and Community Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad, who is also the UMNO Wanita chief, said Siti Zaharah had made significant contributions not only to UMNO Wanita but also to the country and the nation.

"Her contribution is invaluable and will continue to be remembered by people from all walks of life.

"UMNO Wanita is deeply saddened by her passing and we convey our condolences to her family and friends. May she be placed among the believers and granted eternal peace," she said.

Meanwhile, Pahang Menteri Besar and UMNO vice-president Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail described her passing as a great loss to the country, Pahang state and UMNO.

"May Allah shower her soul with His blessings and mercy, and place her among the righteous. Al-Fatihah," he said.

Siti Zaharah's eldest son, Timoer Dzakry Samarudin confirmed that his mother died at Serdang Hospital at 11.23 pm yesterday.

Meanwhile, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the passing of the former minister is a great loss to Malaysians because she had contributed services and sacrificed for the development of the country while being active in politics and as a federal minister.

"A year ago, I had a meeting with the late minister and a delegation from the Malaysian Institute of Women Development (IKWAM) led by her. In fact, the ideas and suggestions given by the deceased in the meeting showed how much the deceased loved the women's empowerment agenda.

"May the members of the deceased's family persevere through the trials and challenges in facing these difficult moments. Let's pray together, may the soul of the late Tan Sri Dr Siti Zaharah Sulaiman be placed among the righteous and believers. God willing. Al-Fatihah," she said through a post on her Facebook today.

The Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir also expressed his condolences to all the family members and prayed that the deceased may be blessed by Allah SWT and be placed with the believers.

"She had served the nation well and gave her devotion to the community. This is a great loss to the country and also the UMNO family," he said.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan also prayed that the soul of the deceased be blessed and placed among those who do good deeds.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang also conveyed his condolences to the family members of the deceased and prayed for them to persevere in the face of their trying time over the passing of the former minister.

-- BERNAMA