Deputy human resource minister Datuk Seri Ismail Abd Muttalib says the late Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis was not only a colleague in politics but had once been his mathematics teacher too.
He said Jamaluddin, 63, while waiting for an offer from the government to pursue further studies at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom in the 1970's, had become a temporary mathematics teacher at the school where he (Ismail) had studied.
"He was among individuals who had helped me a lot when I was a student. I used to address him as 'cikgu' (teacher), until he was conferred the Tan Sri title," he said when contacted by Bernama, here last night.
Ismail, 60, said Jamaluddin had once asked him why he (Ismail) had addressed him (Jamaluddin) as Tan Sri and not 'Cikgu', and Ismail replied that he must respect the higher conferred on his former teacher.
The Deputy Minister who is also member of parliament for Maran, said he had also taken pictures with Jamaluddin while in school, for remembrance.
Ismail said Jamaluddin was his 'senior' in politics and had given him much advice during his early years in politics, and told him not to give in easily to challenges.
"I had also frequently followed the late Jamaluddin when he visited the Orang Asli settlements in Rompin, and they were clearly very dear to Jamaluddin who wanted the Orang Asli community to be involved in all economic programmes," he said.
Ismail said the last time they had met was at the wedding reception of prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's daughter at Taman Tasik Sultan Abu Bakar in Pekan, yesterday afternoon.
"On Friday we also met at the official opening of the 'AgroBazar Rakyat 1Malaysia' at Indera Mahkota in Kuantan, here and in the evening, we met again at a dinner function in Pekan.
"Yesterday, we met again at a 'kenduri' or feast. We spoke as usual on various topics including politics. The late Jamaluddin went back earlier than me," said Ismail, who was heading to Kuala Lumpur to pay his last respects to the late Jamaluddin who died in a helicopter crash yesterday.
In addition, Ismail had also exchanged greetings with the chief private secretary to the prime minister, Datuk Azlin Alias at the 'kenduri' and described the late Azlin as a simple and humble person.
"Before going to the table for special guests and dignitaries, I sat at the same table with Azlin. I did not expect it would be the last meeting for us," he said.
Azlin was also killed in the accident that occurred at 4.55pm yesterday and there were residents who saw the helicopter explode in mid-air before crashing and exploding again in a rubber plantation at Jalan Sungai Lalang, Kampung Pasir Baru, here.
Ismail also conveyed his condolences to the families of all the victims and hoped that they would remain strong in facing the test.
Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was shocked to hear of Jamaluddin's death since he was with the deceased on Friday night at the Agrobazaar Rakyat 1Malaysia programme and had tea together.
Ismail Sabri said he and Jamaluddin had also attended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's daughter's wedding and took pictures with Jamaluddin and the Prime Minister's chief private secretary Datuk Azlin Alias, who also perished in the helicopter crash last night.
"I am really really shocked by the news. I and Jamaluddin have been good friends since our Umno Youth days. His death is a big loss for me, friends and the country," he said.
Ismail Sabri said Jamaluddin was a far-sighted leader with a vision since the Angkasawan Negara Programme was his brainchild when he headed the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry.
RELATED STORY: Jamaluddin Jarjis, Azlin remains identified
RELATED STORY: Jamaluddin Jarlis: From academician to high flying dilpomat
PHOTO GALLERY: Helicopter crash in Semenyih
Bernama
Sun Apr 05 2015
Jamaluddin was a far-sighted leader with a vision since the Angkasawan Negara Programme was his brainchild when he headed the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry-Ismail Sabri
10 Berita Pilihan - (15 Ogos 2024)
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