KUCHING: Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg described the passing of former Prime Minister, the late Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as a great loss to the nation.

In an official statement shared on the Sarawakku Facebook page today, the Sarawak Premier conveyed his condolences in a letter addressed to Tun Jeanne Abdullah, following the passing of Tun Abdullah on Monday night.

"Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tun Tuanku Bujang and I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Tun Jeanne Abdullah and the entire family on the passing of Tun Abdullah.

“I hope that Tun Jeanne and family will find strength during this time of loss and that everything will be eased for them.

“His (the late Tun Abdullah’s) passing is undoubtedly a great loss to the nation.

“On behalf of my family and the people of Sarawak, I pray that Allah SWT blesses his soul and places him among the righteous. Amin,” he said in the letter.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that as the fifth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdullah has devoted his unwavering service to the country.

Tun Abdullah breathed his last at 7.10 p.m. at the National Heart Institute, Kuala Lumpur at the age of 85.

He served as the fifth Prime Minister of Malaysia for a period of six years from 2003 to 2009. - UKASnews