Johari was charismatic, respected among party members - Umno Maran Chief

AMPANG - Pahang state Exco Datuk Seri Johari Harun who perished in the fatal plane crash, is described as a charismatic and respected figure within Umno.

Umno Maran Chief Datuk Seri Shahaniza Shamsudin stated that she had known him for 20 years, as both were active since their time in the Youth and Puteri wings.

"We've known each other for a long time as colleagues in the party.

"I've seen him as a serious person and not one to talk a lot, so I felt a bit reserved to joke around with him," she said after visiting the wife of the late Datuk Seri Johari, Datin Seri Maziah Mohd Sudin, at her residence in Ampang today.

Yesterday, Johari, who was also a Pelangai state assemblyman, was confirmed as one of the victims of the light aircraft crash in Elmina, Section U16, Shah Alam.

A total of 10 victims lost their lives in the incident.

Shahaniza also mentioned that she last met the late Johari during the state election campaign in Kelantan last week.

"At that time, I had a meal together with him and the Pahang Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

"We didn't talk much, just about the state election," she said.

She spent about 30 minutes visiting Maziah.

However, Maziah, who is still shocked by the incident involving her husband, is not ready to speak to the media.