Leaders pay tribute to late Sabah politician Bung Moktar

KUCHING (Dec 5): Leaders across Sarawak have paid tribute to the late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, remembering him as a vocal, charismatic and seasoned politician whose presence in Parliament and Sabah politics will be deeply missed.

Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) newly-appointed information chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan described Bung Moktar as a ‘colourful figure’ known for his outspoken style and spirited debates in the Dewan Rakyat.

“Having served Kinabatangan since 1999, he proved himself a seasoned politician able to withstand political arguments alongside peers and against opponents,” he said.

Snowdan, who is also Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, added that Parliament would miss the ‘occasional uproars’ that made the late leader a standout personality.

PRS Women chief Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodie also conveyed her sympathies, describing Bung Moktar as vocal and forthright in expressing his views, especially in Parliament.

“A well-known and respected figure in Umno and Malaysia’s political arena, he will be deeply missed. Condolences to the family,” said the Sri Aman MP.

Meanwhile, Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim recalled first meeting Bung Moktar during his tenure as Felcra Berhard chairman from 2013 to 2018.

“He was always warm, jovial and humorous. We shared many light moments discussing his career, politics, and the close relationship between Sabah and Sarawak—a bond he always spoke of with great pride,” said Ahmad, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council member.

Ahmad remembered Bung Moktar as a firm yet approachable leader, proud of his roots and dedicated to his people.

“His passing is a great loss not only to Umno and Sabah, but also to his many friends and colleagues across East Malaysia,” he said, offering condolences to the family.

Bung Moktar, 66, passed away at a private hospital in Kota Kinabalu at 1.46am on Friday, according to his son Naim Kurniawan Moktar.

The six-term Kinabatangan MP was chairman of the Sabah chapters of Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN), and had successfully defended the Lamag constituency in the recently concluded Sabah state election.