By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 5: Sarawak political leaders have poured in messages of condolence following the passing of Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin today.
Bung, who was also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kinabatangan and State Assemblyman for Lamag, had recently retained his seat in the 17th Sabah state election held last week.
Thus, the news about his death came as a shock to many, particularly fellow politicians and colleagues who had worked closely with him over the decades.
Works Minister Dato Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) secretary-general and Kapit MP, remembered Bung as a warm leader and friend who consistently championed the people of Sabah.
“Indeed, his passing is a great loss to all who had worked with him and knew him. May his family be granted strength during this difficult time,” Nanta said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and PBB Information chief Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah described Bung as a passionate politician and a fighter for Malaysia and Sabah, noting that he had been in politics for more than 40 years and had a style of his own.
“Personally, I feel Parliament will not be the same without him. Some people may not have agreed with his style, but as a person he was very colorful, both in Parliament and when leading politics in Sabah,” he told reporters during a press conference at Baitul Makmur 2.
Sri Aman MP and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Women chief Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie remembered Bung as vocal and forthright in expressing his views, especially in Parliament.
“He is a well-known and respected figure in United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and Malaysian politics. He will be deeply missed,” she said in a statement.
Echoing the same description, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts II and PRS Information chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan noted Bung’s reputation as a colourful figure who had been very vocal in parliamentary debates.
“Having served his Parliamentary constituency, Kinabatangan, since 1999, he is a seasoned politician with the ability to withstand arguments with peers and opponents alike. The Parliament will certainly miss his ‘occasional uproars’. His type will take time to rediscover,” he wrote.
Senator Dato’ Ahmad Ibrahim reflected on his personal experiences with Bung during his tenure as Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (FELCRA) Berhad chairman from 2013 to 2018.
“During that time, he, together with the Board Members and FELCRA Headquarters management team, visited plantations in Sarawak, staying at the Hilton Kuching. He was always a warm, jovial, and humorous man. We shared many light moments discussing his career, politics and the close relationship between Sabah and Sarawak — a bond he always spoke of with great pride,” he said.
Ahmad also described him as a firm yet approachable leader, deeply proud of his roots and his people.
“His passing is a great loss, not only to UMNO and Sabah, but also to his many friends and colleagues across East Malaysia,” he said, praying that Bung’s family find strength and peace during this time of grief.
Bung Moktar passed away at 1.46am after undergoing treatment for a severe lung infection at a hospital in Kota Kinabalu. He was moved to the intensive care unit after suffering kidney failure. – DayakDaily
