"Always love your family and community" Tun Sakaran's final message to son

KOTA KINABALU: "Always love your family and community," were the final words from former Sabah Governor Tun Sakaran Dandai to his third son Datuk Seri Nasir Sakaran.

Nasir said the last time he spoke to his late father was two days ago through a video call when Sakaran, 91, was being treated at a private hospital here.

"At that time, my father looked healthy and could talk as usual. However, our family accepted his death as fate," he told reporters after the funeral at the State Warriors' Mausoleum today.

Sakaran was admitted to the hospital for suspected COVID-19 infection on Aug 18 before being warded in the intensive care unit over the past five days. He breathed his last at 5.30 am today.

Nasir said as a son, he had gained a lot of invaluable knowledge from his father especially relating to Islam.

"Although my father was busy performing his duties while he was a politician up to the highest position as the Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri, he always took care of his family.

"He was very friendly with to everybody regardless of age...he always poured out his love to the people, that is why he is always remembered by everyone who knows him," he said.

Meanwhile, Nasir also expressed his thanks to the state government for helping to carry out the funeral arrangement.

"Our family would also like to thank everyone especially his comrades in arms who have not stopped offering their condolences," he added.

Meanwhile, former Sabah Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman said the country had lost a great statesman and highly respected figure who had contributed a lot to the religion, the country and the people.

"The late Tun (Sakaran) was a noble and religious person, fighter, political icon and leader who had set the best example and left a lot of advice for our reference," he said.

-- BERNAMA