KOTA KINABALU – The late Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, Kinabatangan Member of Parliament and Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, was laid to rest at the Kampung Likas Muslim Cemetery on Friday afternoon, following his passing earlier the same day.
The burial took place at 2.25pm, shortly after the funeral cortege arrived at 1.45pm. A light drizzle began soon after the ceremony, adding to the solemn atmosphere as mourners gathered to bid farewell to the veteran politician.
Crowds from diverse communities and faiths came together to pay their respects, reflecting the broad support and affection he commanded across Sabah. Many assisted with the funeral arrangements, including carrying the casket, preparing the grave, and completing the earthworks.
Among those present were Datuk Jafry Ariffin, Sabah’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, Treasurer of Sabah UMNO, and Datuk Seri Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar, Kawang State Assemblyman. Relatives, colleagues, and supporters also joined in the final rites.
Bung Moktar, aged 66, died at Gleneagles Hospital in Kota Kinabalu at 1.46am after battling a severe lung infection that later led to kidney complications. His son, Naim Kurniawan Moktar, confirmed the news in a social media post, asking Malaysians to pray for his father.
The politician had only days earlier defended the Lamag State Legislative Assembly seat in the 17th Sabah election held on 29 November, securing victory with a narrow majority. His win marked another chapter in a career spanning more than two decades, during which he served six consecutive terms as Kinabatangan MP since 1999.
Born in Kampung Bilit, Kinabatangan, Bung Moktar rose to prominence as a vocal figure in Sabah UMNO. He was known for championing infrastructure development, rural welfare, and community rights. His leadership was particularly noted during the 2018 political upheaval, when he remained one of the few UMNO division chiefs to keep the party active in SabahNew Straits Times.
The funeral was preceded by prayers at the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, attended by senior leaders including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and former Sabah Head of State Tun Musa Aman. Hundreds of mourners travelled from across the state to join the procession, underscoring the impact of Bung Moktar’s political journey.
He leaves behind two wives, Datin Seri Nor Asidah Alimuddin and Datin Seri Zizie Izette Abdul Samad, along with seven children.
Bung Moktar’s passing, coming just days after his electoral victory, has been described as a significant loss for Sabah politics. His legacy as a steadfast leader and outspoken advocate for the people of Kinabatangan and Lamag will remain deeply etched in the state’s political history.
