Cover image via Berita Harian
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Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman and long-serving Kinabatangan Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has died
He passed away at 1.46am today, 5 December, at Gleneagles Hospital in Kota Kinabalu. He was 66.
His son, Naim Kurniawan Moktar, confirmed the news in a Facebook post early this morning, saying his family is mourning his loss and asking Malaysians to pray for him.
According to reports by the New Straits Times and Bernama, Bung Moktar had been battling a severe lung infection that later led to kidney complications.
He was hospitalised shortly after the recently concluded 17th Sabah General Election, in which he had retained the Lamag seat with a majority of 153 votes in a six-cornered fight.
One of Sabah's most recognisable political figures, here's a look back at Bung Moktar's career and the legacy he leaves behind
Bung Moktar first won the Kinabatangan parliamentary seat in 1999 and held it for six consecutive terms, surviving the 2018 "political tsunami" that unseated many of his BN colleagues.
Just days before his passing, he successfully defended his Lamag state seat in the 29 November Sabah election.
Bung Moktar spent decades in the Dewan Rakyat, earning a reputation as one of its most fiery personalities.
His blunt style often landed him in controversy, including the infamous 2007 "bocor" remark and a 2014 "Long Live Hitler" tweet during the World Cup, for which he later apologised after being reprimanded by then–prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
When BN fell in 2018, Sabah UMNO was left in disarray as many of its leaders defected. Bung Moktar stayed and rebuilt the party, later leading the charge in the 2020 Sabah snap election alongside Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to unseat the Warisan-led government.
He was appointed Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I that year, a role he held until BN withdrew its support for the state government in 2023.
Bung Moktar married Datin Seri Nor Asidah Alimuddin, and in 2009, made headlines with his polygamous marriage to actress Datin Seri Zizie Izette Abdul Samad.
The couple remained prominent in the public eye, including during their ongoing joint trial involving Felcra Berhad investment cases, in which they were ordered to enter their defence last year.
His family said Bung Moktar's remains were brought to his home in Luyang before being taken to the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque for prayers
Funeral arrangements are set to begin with a visitation at his residence in Luyang, from 8am to 9.30am today, followed by the bathing of the remains at 10am at Masjid Bandaraya, reported the New Straits Times.
The funeral prayer is expected to take place after Friday prayers at the same mosque, with the burial to follow at the Kampung Likas cemetery.
