06/12/2025

SATURDAY | DEC 6, 2025

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Poignant moment as King launches Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Centre and Hospital JOHOR BAHRU: An emotional moment marked the opening of the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Centre and Hospital in Larkin when His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim was seen fighting back tears while watching a montage commemorating his son, the late Tunku Abdul Jalil Sultan Ibrahim. Also present were the Tunku Putera of Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Panglima of Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Temenggong of Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj Sultan Ibrahim as well as Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

The launching ceremony began with a speech by the centre’s director Dr William Chong, who said the facility is dedicated to serving all segments of society with the highest quality of care. “We are committed and we pledge to provide advanced medical services for all communities, especially Bangsa Johor. We will not neglect low-income households and will set aside enough time, space and resources to help all in the state.” Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the launch marks an important milestone in strengthening the state’s healthcare sector and boosting the medical tourism efforts of Johor. The ceremony also featured the unveiling of the Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Centre logo and the signing of an official plaque. – Bernama

The montage showed moments of joy and affection shared between Tunku Abdul Jalil, His Majesty and the royal family, marking 10 years since his death from liver cancer. Tunku Abdul Jalil, who was the Tunku Laksamana of Johor, died on Dec 5, 2015 at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital here at the age of 25 after battling stage four liver cancer since late 2014. The Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Centre and Hospital, which is located opposite the Sultan Ismail Library, is equipped with a Positron Emission Tomography CT scanner, Linear Accelerator, and offers Cyclotron, Theranostics and gene therapy services, among others. The King arrived at the hospital at 8.57am yesterday, accompanied by the Queen of Malaysia Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail and Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor.

The newly-opened Tunku Laksamana Johor Cancer Centre and Hospital in Larkin, Johor Bahru. – BERNAMAPIC

Sabah mourns death of Bung Moktar

Moktar would be remembered as a friendly leader and companion who consistently championed the rights of Sabahans. “His passing is truly a great loss to all who worked with him and knew him. May his family be granted strength during this difficult period.” Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan also extended condolences to Bung Moktar’s family, describing him as a strong voice for Sabahans and a leader who never hesitated to defend the state’s rights. “Whether on the political field, in Parliament or elsewhere, many knew him for his humour, warmth and openness with everyone.” – Bernama Mohamad, who is also the Putatan Umno division chief, said he is saddened by Bung Moktar’s demise. He added that he last saw Bung Moktar when he visited him at the hospital at 1.30am yesterday. “He taught me a lot about the spirit of struggle. Allah SWT loves him more. I am very sad. I managed to speak to him on the phone. Insya-Allah , I will remember his advice.” Sabah Umno treasurer Datuk Seri Salleh Keruak said Bung Moktar was a figure who contributed greatly, especially in Sabah’s political arena and the state’s development. State Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal, who is also Lahad Datu MP (Warisan), expressed his condolences to the family, relatives and acquaintances. Tempasuk state assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari (GRS) conveyed condolences to Bung Moktar’s family and prayed that he be placed among the righteous.

people’s interests. “His fighting spirit, courage in expressing his views and sincerity in serving the nation will remain in our memories.” Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said despite any past differences, Bung Moktar’s passing serves as a reminder of the sacrifices of a man who devoted his life to serving the people. “I have always respected him as a firm and courageous political veteran. “His outspokenness also enlivened proceedings in Parliament, leaving behind memories and inspiration for many.” Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said Bung “May his whole family continue to be patient with Allah’s will. Let’s all pray that his soul is blessed and placed among the righteous. Al-Fatihah ,” he said in a post on his Facebook page yesterday. Sabah Umno Election Department director Jeffery Nor Bung Moktar also held important party positions, including as Umno supreme council member and Kinabatangan Umno division chief until his death. He had also served as BN Backbenchers’ Club deputy chairman, proving his influence at the national level. He is survived by his wives Datin Seri Nor Asidah Alimuddin and Datin Seri Zizie Izette Abdul Samad, and seven children, Bernama reported. Foreign Deputy Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin, who is also an Umno supreme council member, said he was saddened by the loss of a leader who had contributed greatly to Sabah Umno.

o Former deputy chief minister known as resolute fighter and outspoken leader who was brave in voicing people’s issues

KOTA KINABALU: The nation and Sabahans lost a resolute fighter who championed their rights and wellbeing when Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (pic) passed away at a private hospital here yesterday. Synonymous with the rallying cry “Radu Tatap Radu ” meaning “Fight is Always a Fight”, he was known as an outspoken leader who was brave in voicing the people’s issues. He often championed the basic needs of the community, including infrastructure development, roads, clean water and rural economic opportunities. Bung Moktar, who was also Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman and Sabah Umno chairman, was born on Sept 15, 1959,

in Sukau, Kinabatangan. He held a Master of Philosophy (Policy Analysis and Security) degree from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. He began his career in public service at the Sandakan Department of Special Affairs (1987-1991), before becoming the Mara Sandakan rural officer (1991-1992) and political secretary at the Sabah Finance Ministry (1994-1999). Bung Moktar had also held positions as Felcra chairman and Sabah Football Association president. In the 10th general election in 1999, he won the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat and served as its MP for six terms. In the 16th Sabah State Election in

2020, he won the Lamag state assembly seat, before being appointed as deputy chief minister of Sabah and Sabah Works minister. He successfully defended the Lamag seat with a 153-vote majority in a six-cornered contest in the recent state polls.

Condolences pour in for family of Sabah Umno chief KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has extended condolences to the family of Sabah Umno chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who died early yesterday morning. special position by His side, Insya-Allah . Al-Fatihah ,” Anwar said in a post on his Facebook page. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, along with Cabinet ministers and menteris besar, conveyed condolences to Bung Moktar’s family. be remembered. “I extend my condolences to his entire family. May they be granted strength and patience during this difficult time,” said the Amanah president.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who is also Umno deputy president, expressed sadness over Bung Moktar’s passing. “May his soul be placed among the truthful and the righteous,”he said in a post on his Facebook page. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail described Bung Moktar as a long-time political associate known for his passion, forthrightness and outspoken character in championing the

Anwar said as a long-time friend, he would remember the Kinabatangan MP and Lamag state assemblyman as a firm, principled and outspoken figure in championing the people’s interests. “His service and commitment in the political arena, particularly to the people of Sabah and the country, will continue to be appreciated. “I pray that his family is granted strength in facing this loss. May his soul be forgiven and be placed in a

In a post on his Facebook page, Fadillah expressed sadness over the passing of the Kinabatangan MP and Lamag assemblyman, and prayed that the Sabah leader would be placed among the righteous and granted the blessings of Allah SWT. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said Bung Moktar’s decades of service in Malaysian politics would long