PM conveys condolences over Abdul Wahab's passing

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has conveyed his condolences over the passing of Pahang Menteri Besar press secretary, Datuk Abdul Wahab Mohamad Ali, at 5.42 pm today.

"May his soul be showered with blessings by Allah and placed among believers and the righteous," shared the Prime Minister through his 'Facebook story' tonight.

Abdul Wahab, 61, died at the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital here, believed to be from blood cancer.

The death of Abdul Wahab was confirmed by the Menteri Besar's Office in a brief statement to the media via WhatsApp.

Abdul Wahab, who opted for early retirement from the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) on June 1, 2006, leaves behind a wife, Laily Mohd Ebram, 62, two daughters and a pair of grandchildren.

He was by far the longest-serving press secretary, having served since 1995 and under three Pahang Menteris Besar, namely Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob, Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob and the most recent, Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

Abdul Wahab was laid to rest at the Bukit Ubi Muslim Cemetery here at 9.40 pm.

The funeral prayers were held earlier at the Al-Muhajirin Mosque in Indera Mahkota 5 here, after the Isyak prayers, led by the chairman of the Pahang Islamic Religious Affairs and Education Committee, Datuk Seri Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad.

His youngest daughter, Siti Amirah, 30, said her father was first diagnosed with the disease around last July and sought treatment at two hospitals here, but his condition worsened last November.

"Father just returned home last Friday (Jan 7) after eight days of treatment at the HTAA. However, he was rushed back to HTAA yesterday evening due to shortness of breath.

"By that time, the doctor had already told us his condition was not good and asked us to be prepared (for the worst)," she said.

-- BERNAMA