Mohamad Nasir honoured by friends as a man of knowledge who prized friendship

KUALA LUMPUR: The sad news of the death of former Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Managing Editor Mohamad Nasir Yusoff, who was described as kind-hearted, warm and contributed greatly to strengthening the bonds between Malaysian and Indonesian journalists, flooded various media platforms today.

Mohammad Nasir, who retired on March 7, 2020, was 62 and leaves behind his wife, Halimah Piee, three daughters and a son. His eldest child, Nur Nadzmi Nasirah, said he died at 5.48 am at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2), after complaining of fatigue upon arrival from Miri, Sarawak.

Social media channels, including Whatsapp and Facebook, have been filled today with messages of condolences from his friends.

Ikatan Setia Kawan Wartawan Malaysia dan Indonesia (ISWAMI) advisor Datuk Zakaria Abdul Wahab said he was greatly saddened when he learnt of Mohammad Nasir's death, saying that he felt something was amiss when Mohammad Nasir did not post anything on Whatsapp yesterday, as he always loved messaging his friends on the app, sharing prayers and also photos of dishes he loved.

"He would never hesitate to inquire about us on Whatsapp and call us up. That's why all of us feel his loss keenly, and it can be seen from the comments posted in Whatsapp groups when we hear of his sudden passing.

"Although he wasn't in the peak of his health due to some long-term illnesses like diabetes and heart problems, he took great pains to talk to us and to remind us to celebrate the National Journalists' Day in Melaka at the end of this month," Zakaria, a former Bernama editor-in-chief, said when contacted today.

According to Zakaria, who struck up a friendship with the Wakaf Bahru, Kelantan-born journalist in the early 1980s, Mohamad Nasir's meticulous nature regarding assignments and work boosted Bernama's standing among publications and helped the agency win various awards, including several in the prestigious Malaysian Journalism Awards organised by the Malaysian Press Institute.

Former Bernama General Manager Datuk Yong Soo Heong said Mohamad Nasir was a very sincere, committed, creative and eloquent colleague.

"For him, it was either A or B (plan), and no maybes, in which, if he were to choose A, he would be very creative about it and go all out in his tasks, and if he were to choose B, he too, would be very committed and carry out his tasks earnestly. Nothing like some shifty and shady characters I have come across before," he said.

Acting Bernama deputy editor-in-chief Harlina Samson meanwhile recalled Mohamad Nasir as a nice and knowledgable man, ever willing to teach, guide and share his experience for others to learn.

"Throughout my entire time working under him when he was Features and Special Issues Editor (2012 to 2016), he provided a lot of guidance and showed leadership as an editor.

"He really was someone I regard as my mentor here in Bernama, from the time I did my practical training till today. Al-Fatihah," Harlina, who is also Bernama News Services Executive Editor, said.

Many Indonesian journalists, who became friends with Mohamad Nasir during his time as Bernama Indonesia correspondent from 2004 to 2009, also reached out to share fond memories of him.

ISWAMI Indonesia president Asro Kamal Rokan said Mohamad Nasir was very active and had done a lot to build up rapport between Malaysia and Indonesia, especially in the journalism field, while Indonesian news agency, Perusahaan Umum Lembaga Kantor Berita Nasional's (ANTARA) Malaysian correspondent Agus Setiawan said that he was not merely an editor in Bernama, but also a pioneer who pushed for the formation of ISWAMI.

During his time as Indonesia correspondent, Mohamad Nasir also covered the major earthquake and tsunami that hit Acheh and northern Sumatera in 2004.

As a leader, he was a good listener and loved to give advice and was active in Bernama's Rakan Pembimbing Perkhidmatan Awam (AKRAB) programme, AKRAB deputy chairman, Sharifah Zaini Syed Zain said.

She related that he received various awards for his participation in AKRAB, including the Akrab Proaktif award in 2014 and the Akrab Bestari award in 2017 at the ministry level.

The death of the former leader, known for his concern for the welfare of those under him, was also felt by the entire Bernama staff.

'Al-Fatihah Mohamad Nasir Yusoff, may you rest in peace. All your great deeds and goodness will be forever remembered in our hearts'.

-- BERNAMA