Dr M pays his last respects to Zainuddin

– Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad paid his last respects to former Information Minister Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin, who passed away on Friday (Sept 14).

Dr Mahathir arrived at 9.15 am at the Surau At Tarbiah in Taman Melawati and attended funeral prayers along with hundreds of relatives and friends.

Zainuddin who, died of a cardiac arrest on Friday (Dec 14) at the age of 79 at the Serdang Hospital.

He was admitted to the Putrajaya Hospital on Nov 12 and then transferred to the Serdang Hospital.

He was buried at the Kampung Klang Gate Muslim Cemetery in Hulu Klang, about 500m from the surau.

Among those to pay their last respects were Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo, national laureate Datuk Seri Abdul Samad Muhammad Said, former finance minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, former deputy information minister Tan Sri Dr Khalid Yunus, former Media Prima Bhd chairman Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, actor, filmmaker, director and producer Datuk Yusof Haslam and actor Datuk Mohamed Noor Shamsuddin (Rosyam Nor).

Gobind expressed his condolences to the family and said Zainuddin's service as information minister would always be cherished.

Meanwhile, Azman said Zainuddin would be remembered not only as a former minister but as a mentor and reputable journalist who was firm in his stand.

Zainuddin was the editor-in-chief of the Utusan Melayu Group before he ventured into politics.

Johan said Zainuddin was a true journalist to the very end.

"He was a warrior who expressed his criticism without fear and had focused on addressing chauvinism. This was a part of Tan Sri's struggle," he said.

Nor Mohamed said Zainuddin had held on to his principles in the face of criticism.

Yusof described Zainuddin's passing as a great loss to the arts.

"We have lost a minister who was familiar with artists. He was also an advocate of the (Malay) language at Utusan. His demise is a great loss to our country," he said.

Zainuddin leaves behind a wife, Puan Sri Zaiton Zainol Abidin, and four children – two sons and two daughters.

Son Zairin, 44, said his father always found time for the family despite his busy schedule.

"My father also helped his friends a lot," he said.

Zairin also said that his father spent much time with his mother who had become lame since 1995.

He said he last met his father three weeks ago and he looked quite healthy then. – Bernama