24-7-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysia was gripped by grief on Sunday (Jul 23) as news spread of the untimely demise of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, Salahuddin Ayub. The 61-year-old minister passed away after undergoing surgery for a brain haemorrhage. His daughter, Fatiha Salahuddin, confirmed the sad news in a heartrending Facebook post.
“We are saddened to inform that the head of our family, Salahuddin Ayub died at 9.23 pm on July 23, 2023,” she wrote.
Salahuddin’s press secretary, Syakirin Husnal, released a statement indicating that the minister breathed his last at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) in Alor Setar, Kedah. Funeral arrangements are soon to be announced by the minister’s office.
The late minister’s family expressed their profound gratitude for the prayers and condolences received from the public and conveyed their appreciation to the doctors and staff at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital for their efforts.
On Saturday, Salahuddin was rushed to the emergency ward of HSB after experiencing severe nausea and vomiting. Following a thorough examination by specialists, he was diagnosed with a brain haemorrhage.
Salahuddin leaves behind his wife, Fatimah Taha, and six children, leaving a void that will be felt deeply by his family and the nation as a whole.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, visibly affected by the news, described the passing of Salahuddin as a significant personal loss. In a heartfelt Facebook post, he acknowledged that Salahuddin’s exemplary character and commitment to his duties were unparalleled.
“Rest now, my friend,” Prime Minister Anwar wrote, paying tribute to the late minister’s dedication and unwavering service.
Born on December 1, 1961, in Tanjung Piai, Pontian, Johor, Salahuddin was widely regarded as a champion of the people, particularly for his efforts to address the escalating cost of living. He gained prominence by introducing a series of initiatives under the banner ‘Payung RAHMAH’, aimed at alleviating the financial burden faced by ordinary citizens.
Salahuddin’s involvement in politics dates back to his days as the Pontian branch secretary of Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) from 1981 to 1983. He later joined the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) in 1983 and climbed the ranks within the party, serving as the Pontian PAS vice-president (1983-1987) and eventually becoming the overall party vice-president from 2009 to 2015.
After a period of internal conflicts within PAS, Salahuddin parted ways with the party and joined the Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) on August 31, 2015. His political career continued to flourish as he secured victory in the Kubang Kerian parliamentary constituency during the 2004 general election and successfully served two terms.
Salahuddin’s dedication to public service saw him win the Pulai parliamentary seat and the Simpang Jeram state seat in the 14th general election in 2018 on a Pakatan Harapan (PH) ticket. He was appointed as the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister before the PH coalition government dissolved in February 2020.
Having established himself as a formidable political figure, Salahuddin defended his seats in the Johor state election in March 2022 and the 15th general election on November 19 of the same year. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.
During his tenure, Salahuddin implemented the Payung RAHMAH initiatives, striving to ease the financial hardships faced by Malaysians during the COVID-19 pandemic and aiding the nation’s economic recovery.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi took to Facebook to acknowledge Salahuddin’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people, stating, “Until the end of his life, he was concerned and continued to fight for the well-being of the people. The country lost a great leader.”
