Sungai Sibuga assemblyman’s passing a loss to state - Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 20): Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor expressed his condolences to Datin Kalsom Abd Aziz and family on the passing of Sungai Sibuga assemblyman Datuk Mohamad Hamsan Awang Supain.

Hajiji described his passing as a loss to the state, especially the people in the area he represented, namely the Sungai Sibuga state constituency.

“The deceased was an old friend who fought together in parliament administration.

“He was a people-oriented, friendly leader and was liked by many. His struggle and support together with the state government are greatly appreciated.

“On behalf of the state government, I express my condolences to the entire family of the late Datuk Mohamad Hamsan Awang Supain.

“May the soul of the deceased be blessed by Allah SWT and placed with the souls of the believers and doers of good deeds,” he said in a statement today.

The remains of 65-year-old Mohamad Hamsan were laid to rest at the Bintang Baru Cemetery, Rancangan Sungai Manila in Sandakan at 11.30am today.

He passed away at a private hospital in Kota Kinabalu at 11.20pm yesterday. His remains were transported to Sandakan and arrived at his residence in Taman Kong Lok here morning today.

The funeral prayers were performed at Pangiran Mosque in Batu 7, led by his son-in-law Mohamad Hanif Ayub, before burial at the cemetery.

Among those present were Sabah Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong, Sungai Manila assemblyman Datuk Mokran Ingkat, Gum-Gum assemblyman Arunarnsin Taib, Sekong sssemblyman Alias Sani, and appointed assemblyman Datuk Jaffari William.

Mohamad Hamsan, who was Sabah Assistant Minister for Local Government and Housing, had previously been receiving treatment for complications from several illnesses, including kidney-related issues.

Yesterday, Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Musa Aman, visited Mohamad Hamsan at KPJ Specialist Hospital.

Meanwhile, Mohamad Hamsan’s eldest daughter, Nurhafizah Fatin Mohamad Hamsan, said her father had constantly reminded she and her siblings to uphold their prayers and faith.

Nurhafizah Fatin said her late father often advised them to always be kind to others.

“Thank you to my late father, as well as our mother who always prioritised the education of my siblings and I, which helped us succeed in life,” she said when met by reporters today.

Nurhafizah Fatin also shared that her father would often remind them to be generous to others, even if it was only a small amount, and to always forgive others.

She also expressed her sincere gratitude to everyone involved in facilitating the funeral of her late father, from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.

Meanwhile, Gum-Gum assemblyman, Arunarnsin Taib, who also attended the burial ceremony to offer moral support to the deceased’s family, described the late Mohamad Hamsan as a brother, despite their political differences.

Arunarnsin of Parti Warisan, said he had known the late Mohamad Hamsan for over 20 years, and that he was a leader who was well-liked by all communities.

“Although we are from different parties, the intention to help the people remains the same. I am deeply saddened by the passing of the late Mohamad Hamsan. However, from Allah we come, and to Allah we return,” he said.

Sungai Manila assemblyman, Datuk Mokran Ingkat, said the passing of Mohamad Hamsan was deeply felt due to his character and the many contributions he made to the community in Sandakan before winning the Sungai Sibuga seat.

Mokran added that before becoming an assemblyman, the late Mohamad Hamsan had served as the secretary of the Sandakan Municipal Council and had made significant contributions throughout his life as a public servant.

“The late Mohamad Hamsan who was well-liked and easy to approach, had worked tirelessly to contribute to the community,” he said.

In the 16th Sabah State Election in 2020, Mohamad Hamsan, representing Barisan Nasional, won the Sungai Sibuga seat in a five-cornered contest with a majority of 1,538 votes.

According to Article 54(1) of the Federal Constitution, a by-election is only required if a vacancy arises within three years before the end of the Parliament or State Assembly term.

The 17th Sabah Sate election must be held by Dec 8, 2025.-Bernama