Hajiji: Sabah lost exceptional leader with Joseph Kurup's passing

Sabah has lost an experienced and exceptional leader with the passing of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah founder Joseph Kurup, says Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.

Expressing sympathy and condolences to the late leader's family, Hajiji said he had worked alongside Joseph as an assistant minister in the Sabah Ministry of Industrial Development in 1994, earning a deep respect for the veteran Sabah leader.

"I remember his exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the community, state, and country.

"His legacy is one of dedication and service, a true loss to us all," Hajiji (above) said in a statement last night.

Joseph, 79, who was also former Sabah deputy chief minister, died at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur last night.

The former Pensiangan MP held several important positions such as minister in the Prime Minister's Department (National Unity and Integration). He retired from politics last year, before being succeeded by his son, Arthur Joseph Kurup.

Meanwhile, MCA president Wee Ka Siong said the services and contributions of the former president of PBRS - a component party of BN - were significant and played an important role in bolstering BN.

"His passing is a great loss to the people and the country. Condolences to the late leader's family," he said.

Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat president Peter Anthony described the late leader as a dedicated person in carrying out his duties as a federal minister and consistent in his struggle to help the people in the state, especially in the interior.

He said Joseph's passing was also a loss for the Kadazan, Dusun, and Murut (KDM) communities, as he had contributed greatly to them.

"His passing has shocked us all. I admire him for his many contributions, not only to the people of this state but also to the entire country," he said.

Meanwhile, United Sabah National Organisation president Pandikar Amin Mulia said the party's supreme council members and members extended their condolences to the late leader's family.

- Bernama

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