Malaysia has lost a statesman and national hero, said Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in his tribute to former deputy premier Ghafar Baba who passed away yesterday.

"The country has lost a statesman and a national hero, whose immense contributions and good deeds were invaluable to the community and there is no substitute for a leader like him," said Abdullah when tabling a motion of condolences to Ghafar's family in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Ghafar, 81, died of heart, lung and kidney complications at the Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

According to Bernama , Abdullah said Ghafar was a statesman and a patriot, who spent most of his life time, in serving the people and nation, in good and difficult times.

The premier said his loyalty was towards his struggle for the people and had always been consistent in serving the country whether when he was holding a position in the government and party or as an ordinary member without a post.

"In extending his service, the late Tun Ghafar always held to the philosophy of the Semenda people, ' dijemput datang - disuruh pergi ' (don't overstay your welcome') as when he was no longer holding a position in the government, Ghafar would continue to give his support and was loyal to the party and the government, and was ready to give his views and advice when needed."

Attributes of a statesman

"These are the attributes of a statesman, as found in the late Tun Ghafar, and which should be emulated. The nation and the people have lost a statesman by the name of Abdul Ghafar bin Baba, who had served as a member of this honourable Dewan (Rakyat) for 35 years.

"His contributions and his service would always be cherished in the nation's history. The Dewan (Rakyat) extends its highest appreciation to the late Tun Ghafar's contributions, good deeds, service and devotion for the nation and the people," he said.

Abdullah said the country and the people were also grateful to Ghafar's family for their sacrifices in allowing the latter to dedicate the greater part of his life to serve the nation and the people.

"On behalf of the government and the people of Malaysia, I am extending my deepest condolences to the late Tun Ghafar's family. Our sadness and sympathies go out to his family members," he added

Abdullah said Ghafar had always shown his maturity and gave a balanced view of sensitive issues related to religion, race and culture.

Ghafar had the distinction of being the only politician to have contested in nine consecutive general elections since the first election in 1955, and winning all of them.