Abdul Rahman’s remains buried

0

Mourners at the Jamek Mosque to honour Sarawak’s former governor and chief minister. – Photo by Kong Jun Liung

KUCHING: There was a momentary pin-drop silence when Jamek Mosque head imam Datuk Joji Suhaili, who was reciting prayers for the just-buried remains of the late Tun Abdul Rahman Yakub, was overcome by emotion here this afternoon.

Among those at the Semariang Islamic Cemetery who braved the drizzle at the funeral ceremony of the former Sarawak governor at 2pm were Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem, his deputy, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, several senior state ministers and federal ministers.

Abdul Rahman, 87, passed away at the Normah Medical Specialist Centre at 9.34 last night. This morning, his remains were taken to the Jamek Mosque first to enable the public to pay their last respects.

Almost 2,000 people thronged the mosque compound since 10am. Others who turned up were Abdul Rahman’s nephew, Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, and several state cabinet members.

The federal ministers seen were Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim and Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Earlier, there was a change in weather when rain came, as the coffin which was carried by four personnel from the Army, and two from the Royal Malaysian Air Force, headed by RAMD Bravo Company chief from Semenggok Camp Major Mohd Shahfuddin Ismail, left the mosque for the cemetery.

Yesterday, the state government issued a statement cancelling all official events today, and directed state and federal flags to be flown at half-mast.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, on his Twitter last night, recorded his condolences to Abdul Rahman’s family, describing the former Sarawak governor’s deeds and contributions to Sarawak as “vast”. -Bernama