Former Kedah MB Sanusi Junid passes away

Veteran politician Sanusi Junid died this morning. He was 75. 

According to a post in Mukhriz Mahathir FC Facebook page, Sanusi passed away about 6am, before the Subuh prayers, at his home in Pantai Dalam. 

His body was taken to the Saidina Umar Al-Khattab Mosque in Bukit Damansara for prayers and laid to rest at the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery after Friday prayers. 

Among those who paid their last respects at the family home were Bersatu chairperson and former prime minister Dr Mahathgir Mohamad (below).

Sanusi served as national and rural development minister in 1981 and as agriculture minister in 1986 before being appointed Kedah Menteri Besar from 1996 to 1999, during Dr Mahathir Mohamad's era.

When Bersatu was formed, Sanusi joined the party and was appointed as the disciplinary committee chairperson.

He had attended the launch of the Pakatan Harapan election manifesto last night. 

Sanusi's son, Akhramsyah Sanusi said his father died before he could join his wife for morning prayers.

"Yesterday, my father went for a medical check-up and everything was fine. In fact, he even attended the Pakatan Harapan manifesto launching last night without showing signs of a health problem.

"This morning, my father had performed ablution and was waiting to go for prayers when he suddenly fell unconscious,” Akhramsyah said when met his residence in Pantai Dalam today.

Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un

Salam takziah buat Puan Sri dan keluarga di atas pemergian Allahyarham TS Sanusi Junid

Malam tadi kali terakhir beliau bersama di pentas Pakatan Harapan

Semoga Allah SWT mengampuni segala dosanya dan menempatkannya di kalangan orang2 beriman pic.twitter.com/rwsk3OcnVT

— Fahmi Fadzil (@fahmi_fadzil) March 9, 2018

Bernama reports that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak expressed his condolences over the passing of the former Kedah menteri besar.

He tweeted that Sanusi’s contributions to Umno and BN would be remembered and cherished.

“Condolences to the family of former Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Junid who passed away this morning. His contributions to Umno and the BN will be remembered and cherished. May his soul be blessed by Allah SWT. Al-Fatihah,” he tweeted.

Sanusi had been the national and rural development minister in 1981 and agriculture minister in 1986 prior to being appointed as the Kedah menteri besar to serve from 1996 to 1999.