The Kuala Kangsar MP was an exemplary son and the family depended so much on him, said his father, Wan Ahmad Wan Yusof, 78, when describing the qualities of the MP who perished in a helicopter crash in Sarawak last Thursday.
"Although we rarely met due to his (varied) work commitments, our son kept in close touch with us through telephone calls.
"For me, he was a good and responsible son. Me, his mother and this family depended so much on him," he told reporters after Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar's funeral here today.
Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar, who was also Malaysian Palm Oil Board chairman, was among six people killed in the helicopter crash in Sebuyau, Sarawak.
According to Wan Ahmad, the last he spoke to his eldest son was during a phone call made by the Kuala Kangsar MP on the day of the incident, in which he advised him to take good care of his health.
READ: Kuala Kangsar MP's final joke before mishap
"We were indeed, shocked and felt quite emotional upon receiving the tragic news but I advised all my grandchildren to accept the fate with an open heart and always remember that Allah loves him more," he said.
Wan Ahmad also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on his concern and spending time with his family, when they were in Kuching.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar's death would be deeply felt by his friends and residents of Kuala Kangsar.
"Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar did not like to create enmity and that attitude made him a likeable person," he said.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid and Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob described Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar as a responsible friend and leader.
