'The late Salahuddin was never controversial' - Lam Thye

SHAH ALAM - Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has described the late Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub as a person who was never controversial and was a people person.

Lam Thye said that the late Salahuddin's death was a shock to the nation as the country had lost a valuable person.

"I knew him as a warm, friendly and good-natured person who was never controversial. He was always spirited and his Rahmah initiative has benefited many people in the country.

"The passing of Salahuddin last night has saddened many Malaysians as he was a highly respected person who had brought a lot of good to the people through the initiatives he implemented," he said in a statement today.

Lam Thye also expressed his condolences to the late Salahuddin's family and friends and prayed that his soul would be placed among the believers.

Salahuddin, 61, died at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar at 9.23pm on Sunday while being treated in the Intensive Care Unit. The news of his death was announced by his daughter, Fatihah Salahuddin, on Facebook.