It was a sombre weekend for Malaysia as we mourned the passing of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, 61, who passed away following surgery for a brain haemorrhage on July 23.
Salahuddin initially served as the Agricultural Minister when Pakatan Harapan came into power after the 2018 elections. Later, when a new government was formed in 2022, he was appointed as the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.
During this period, Malaysians were still grappling with the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the soaring cost of living became a major concern for everyone. However, it was during this challenging time that Salahuddin took the initiative to launch the Rahmah Initiative, offering affordable food for as low as RM5 at over 3,000 restaurants across the country.
Hannah Yeoh Shares Lengthy & Touching Tribute To The Late Salahuddin
Amidst a flood of tributes to the late minister from various individuals and news outlets, one heartfelt tribute stood out among the rest – that of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, who was left devastated by the news.
Taking to Facebook, Yeoh wrote an extensive post in both English and Malay, reminiscing about the times she had spent with Salahuddin, standing by each other through thick and thin. Among the most cherished memories was a moment when she faced severe criticism and attacks over her biography 'Becoming Hannah,' and Salahuddin was there to support and encourage her as she navigated the delicate balance between her roles as a Christian and a politician.
“When my book ‘Becoming Hannah’ was used as a political attack against me, Salahuddin Ayub defended me. I have always been used as a scare tactic by some to frighten Muslims because I am a DAP politician of Christian faith.”
“For Salahuddin to not employ the same fear tactic as some would or to shun away but instead drew closer as a friend, truly earned him a very special place in my heart. I told him multiple times that I would never forget the kindness he showed to me,” wrote Yeoh.
Another memory she had was how Salahuddin had given his constant support towards Yeoh throughout the rise and fall of the Pakatan Harapan government in 2018 and when she was named a minister under Anwar Ibrahim’s Cabinet.
During breakfast or lunch at Cabinet meetings, Yeoh said that Salahuddin would sit next to her and joked about how she has been receiving more airtime on the news than him. He even returns home late after events and sends her photos of her press conferences during the midnight news to prove his point.
Yeoh fondly described Salahuddin as a dedicated and hardworking individual, taking immense pride in his Rahmah Initiative and wasting no time in ensuring its successful nationwide implementation. Even up to his last working day on Friday, 21st July, he was observed tirelessly putting in the effort, driven by his desire to see the unity government thrive and succeed.
“I have Yet To Let Go”
The nation was stunned by the news of his passing, leaving Yeoh overwhelmed with sadness, unable to fully come to terms with his death. Amidst her grief, she received numerous messages from friends, urging her to take care of her health. Ironically, Salahuddin, who never missed his annual medical check-ups, would often lecture her about the importance of doing the same.
“I keep returning to our WhatsApp messages to remember our exchanges. I don’t know how I would react seeing his empty chair in the Cabinet meeting this week. I could go on writing this tribute but words would not bring him back.”
Yeoh ended her touching tribute by thanking God for giving her a friend like Salahuddin and shared that everyone can experience a genuine and life-changing friendship with someone beyond their race, religion, political affiliation and beyond your generation.
“I cannot say rest now my friend. I have yet to let go. I cannot.”
Here’s some of the tributes to the late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub:
إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُون
— Dr Mahathir Mohamad (@chedetofficial) July 24, 2023
DariNya kita datang, kepadaNya kita kembali.
Saya mengucapkan takziah kepada keluarga Allahyarham YB Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub di atas kembalinya ke rahmatullah.
Saya mengenali beliau dengan lebih rapat ketika bersama dalam Kabinet… pic.twitter.com/jfrE5iO6Jo
Our condolences to YB Salahuddin’s family. May his legacy be lived on and forever remembered by Malaysians alike. Thank you for all your contributions to the country.
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media, Hannah Yeoh & various cross-references for context.
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