SHAH ALAM - A tender and lesser-known side of Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has surfaced following his death, with those close to him recalling his calm presence and constant zikr (the act of mindful remembrance of Allah SWT) during parliamentary sittings.
Despite his reputation as a bold and forceful political figure, Bung Moktar was remembered by former deputy finance minister Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah as a man who carried a quiet spiritual grace beneath his public persona.
Shahar said the Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman was often seen with prayer beads in hand during Dewan Rakyat sessions, frequently engaging in zikr that brought a sense of tranquillity.
"His fingers were always clasping the prayer beads. The quiet zikr that often filled the space between us, zikr that was not loud but enough to make the heart feel at peace.
"That is the sound that now remains as a memory," he said.
Shahar shared this through his Facebook page, along with a 25-second video showing Bung Moktar adjusting his pin, a gesture he described as small, yet deeply meaningful.
He added that Bung Moktar preferred to offer help without drawing attention to himself.
"He came with compassion, with more gentleness than what the world ever got to see. May Allah SWT ease his journey, forgive all his shortcomings and place him in serene gardens.
"Your departure is not disappearance, only a shift of space. The kindness you left behind becomes a long prayer. May peace welcome you, in the vast mercy of Allah. Al-Fatihah, rest in peace my friend," he said.
Bung Moktar, aged 66, passed away at 1.46am, confirmed by his son, Naim Kurniawan, through a Facebook post.