Tenang state assemblyperson Sulaiman Taha, who died early today in Kuala Lumpur, was buried at the Muslim cemetery in Kampung Paya Merah in Labis at noon.

NONE Sulaiman, who was admitted to the Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25 for treatment of diabetes, died at 1.10 am at the intensive care unit of blood infection. He was 59.

He leaves a wife Seri Noraini Yaakop, a son Aiman Azri Taha, and six daughters Marsila, Marliza, Marina, Miza Liyana Taha, Miza Qamarina and Miza Husna.

Seri Noraini, 34, said all the children were at Sulaiman's bedside when he breathed his last.

She said her husband was a caring person who had always helped his constituents.

Sulaiman's remains were brought to the family home in Jalan Melati, Labis Park, at about 8am and then taken to the Labis jamek mosque for prayers.

Among those who paid their last respects were Johor state assembly speaker Mohd Ali Hassan, Labis MP Chua Tee Yong and Kemelah state assemblyperson Ayub Rahmat.

Huge loss to Umno, constituents

Sulaiman was elected assemblyperson for Tenang in the 2004 general election and retained the seat in 2008, polling 6,367 votes to beat PAS candidate Md Saim Siran by a majority of 2,492 votes.

He had been the Labis Umno division chief since 2001, assistant secretary of Umno Youth from 1987 to 1993 and executive secretary of the Johor Umno liaison committee from 1994 to 1997.

Mohd Ali paid tribute to Sulaiman as a competent elected representative who always raised the problems of his constituents at state assembly meetings.

"He would also take up the problems with the menteri besar. He had served his constituents and Umno well," he said.

Chua said Sulaiman's contributions to the people of Labis included the development of the Labis hotspring recreation centre, two community halls and a library at Tenang station.

"Sulaiman was sincere in discharging his duties. His deeds are too many to be counted," he said.

Labis Umno's Wanita chief Haslinda Salleh described Sulaiman's death as a huge loss to the party and his constituents.

"Sulaiman emphasised discipline in his work, and he was a caring person," she said.

- Bernama