Head of State pays tribute to Senate successor

KUCHING: Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi paid their last respects to the late Senate President Datuk Mutang Tagal at the Nirvana Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (May 11).

In a statement Astana Negeri Sarawak said Wan Junaidi expressed his sadness at the passing of Mutang, who took over his place as President of the Senate when he was appointed Governor of Sarawak.

Wan Junaidi (left) and his wife, Fauziah (right) console Ho upon paying their last respect to the late Mutang.

It also said a congratulatory dinner was hosted for Mutang upon his appointment as Senate President and that they often informally discussed parliamentary and legislative matters when they met at official events.

“Wan Junaidi acknowledged the qualifications and appointment of the late Mutang as the President of the Senate based on his knowledge and expertise in the field of legal practice.

“Mutang had also committed to continuing initiatives initiated by the Head of State during his tenure as the President of the Senate, such as reintroducing the Parliamentary Services Act and other initiatives aimed at further dignifying the Malaysian Parliament as the legislative body as stipulated in the Federal Constitution,” the statement read.

Wan Junaidi and Fauziah also extended their condolences to the late Senator’s wife, Datin Ho May Leng, their family.

Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and other dignitaries also paid their last respects at about 12pm.

Mutang passed away on Friday (May 10) at the National Heart Institute, Kuala Lumpur, after receiving treatment there upon his return from an official visit to Azerbaijan on May 6.

He is survived by his wife Datin Ho and three children.

Last respects can also be paid at the BEM Airport Road Church in Miri upon the arrival of his remains on Sunday (May 12) at 10am before being laid to rest at the SIB Cemetery, Lambir, Miri on Monday (May 11).

As seen (from left) Wan Junaidi, Ho, Fauziah during the last respect ceremony at Nirvana Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

Mutang’s wife (third right) and children greet Wan Junaidi and Fauziah uppon their arrival at the Nirvana Centre in Kuala Lumpur.