KUCHING, Jan 12: Being a very close family friend to the late Tan Sri Celestine Ujang, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi assured that he will continue to be family friends with Ujang’s family for as long as it takes.
Earlier this evening, Zahid flew all the way from Kuala Lumpur to attend the wake of the late Ujang and pay show his last respects to the veteran BN politician at his residence in Tabuan Jaya here, despite the pouring rain.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Zahid said he and Ujang’s family had been very close family friends since they were together in politics in 1987.
“He was a good old friend. We knew each other in 1987 when he was with PBB Youth and I was with Umno Youth. In fact I often flew here and visited him while he was well, and several more times when he was ill.
“The last time I visited him was during his 70th birthday celebration here last year,” said Zahid.
He gave Ujang’s family his most heartfelt condolences and also conveyed sympathies on behalf of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Zahid also assured that he will continue to be friends with Ujang’s family members, and hoped that the latter’s son-in-law Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, who is Assistant Rural and Regional Development Minister, will continue Ujang’s legacy.
“Tan Sri Celestine was a person of good character, and he was involved in politics from a very young age. He set a good example to other young leaders.
“I pray and wish his family my most heartfelt condolences and (urge them to) be patient, and hope his good politics would be carried on by Alexander, and I will continue the close friendship with his family,” he told reporters. — DayakDaily
