Bernama Ex-Journo Sabaruddin Ahmad Sabri Laid To Rest

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12 (Bernama) -- Former Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) journalist and ex-RTM presenter Sabaruddin Ahmad Sabri, 60, was laid to rest at the Bukit Lagong Muslim Cemetery in Taman Ehsan, Kepong, near here this afternoon.

Sabaruddin breathed his last at dawn today while receiving treatment for a lung infection at Sungai Buloh Hospital.

The funeral was attended by family members, close friends and fellow media practitioners.

Sabaruddin leaves behind his wife, Suzrina Shamsuddin, 55, and five children.

A close friend, Norazli Noh, 62, described Sabaruddin as a person who truly lived up to the meaning of his name, Sabar, - patient, courteous and dedicated in carrying out his duties.

“If he started a task, he would make sure it was completed to the best of his ability,” said Norazli, also a former RTM presenter.

Norazli recalled their unforgettable involvement in the Malaysia-Indonesia Journalists Friendship Alliance (ISWAMI) under the leadership of Tan Sri Rais Yatim, aimed at strengthening ties between journalists from both countries.

“At the grassroots level, we worked to foster understanding between Malaysians and Indonesians, with Sabaruddin playing a key role as a bridge between the two sides, a contribution that will not be forgotten,” he said.

Norazli noted that Sabaruddin’s experience as an economics journalist and his extensive network among corporate leaders and media colleagues, including during his time at Utusan Malaysia, made him a key reference point on regional issues, particularly involving Indonesia.

“Every time during the National Press Day in Indonesia, he would be the one who played the main role in taking Malaysian journalists there, and also the one who managed the visits from Indonesian journalists to Malaysia,” he said.

Meanwhile, veteran TV3 journalist Muhammad Fairuz Mansor, 57, said Sabaruddin’s passing was a great loss to the Malaysian journalism fraternity.

“He was not only disciplined, but also a unifying figure who strengthened ties among media practitioners across organisations and borders,” he said, adding that Sabaruddin was known for his calm demeanour and ability to defuse tense situations.

Muhammad Fairuz also shared that they had planned to produce a journalism podcast this year to pass on the values of integrity and accountability to the younger generation.

-- BERNAMA