Kinabatangan Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has died at the age of 66. The Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman passed away at a private hospital at 1.46 am today, according to Bernama.
His son, Naim Kurniawan Moktar, confirmed the news when contacted this morning. He did not disclose the cause of death.
“Please pray that his soul is blessed with mercy and placed among the righteous. Al-Fatihah,” said Naim Kurniawan, the second of Bung Moktar’s children.
Bung Moktar, who also served as the Lamag state assemblyman, had been admitted to the hospital earlier. Among those who visited him was the Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman.
In the recent 17th Sabah State Election, Bung Moktar successfully defended the Lamag seat with a majority of 153 votes in a six-cornered contest. He first secured the constituency in the previous state polls.
He entered Parliament in November 1999 after winning the Kinabatangan seat in the 10th General Election. He went on to represent the area for six terms.
Born on 15 September 1959 in Sukau, Kinabatangan, he leaves behind two wives, Datin Seri Nor Asidah Alimuddin and Datin Seri Zizie Izette Abdul Samad, as well as seven children.
Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari extended his condolences on X following the death of Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr) Bung Mokhtar Radin, Sabah Barisan Nasional Chairman and Kinabatangan MP.
“I extend my condolences on the passing of Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr) Bung Mokhtar Radin, Kinabatangan MP, Lamag ADUN and Sabah Barisan Nasional Chairman,” Amirudin wrote.
He added, “My condolences go out to his family and all of the late leader’s friends. May they be granted patience and strength in facing the test of this loss. May Allah SWT shower His mercy upon the soul of the late Bung Mokhtar and place him among the righteous. Al-Fatihah.”
Amirudin’s message reflects the broader mourning in Malaysia following the passing of the seasoned Sabah politician.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has conveyed his condolences to the family of the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, describing the Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman as a firm and vocal leader who dedicated his career to serving the people.
In a message posted on X early today, Anwar said: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. I extend my condolences to the entire family of the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who returned to the mercy of Allah early this morning.”
Anwar, who referred to Bung Moktar as a long-time friend, said he remembered the Kinabatangan Member of Parliament as a figure who was “firm, principled and outspoken in championing the people’s interests”.
He added that Bung Moktar’s contributions to Sabah and the nation would remain appreciated and remembered, noting the late leader’s long service as both MP for Kinabatangan and state assemblyman for Lamag.
“I pray that his family is granted strength during this difficult time, and may his soul be forgiven and placed in a special position by His side, Insya-Allah,” Anwar said, ending the message with “Al-Fatihah.”
