SHAH ALAM, October 16- Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein regards former Army deputy chief Lieutenant-General Datuk Ja’afar Onn who died on Tuesday, as someone who made immense contribution to Malaysia’s military.
He said Ja’afar, 81, who was a younger sibling of third prime minister Tun Hussein Onn, was a man of principle in upholding religion, race and nation.
“Let us pray that Allah bless and have mercy on his soul.”On behalf of the family, I would like to express our gratitude for the prayers and words of encouragement, and to those who had tended to his remains,” he said when met after paying his last respects to Ja’afar at his residence in Section 11 here.
Also present to convey their last respects were Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Shabery Cheek, former inspector-general of police Tun Hanif Omar and several members and senior officers of the Malaysian Armed Forces.
Ja’afar, who was also Hishammuddin’s uncle, passed away yesterday in his house at 7.45pm from old age.The second of six siblings, Ja’afar is survived by widow, Datin Wan Fatimah Abdullah and two children, Farid, 55, and Faridah, 56.
Meanwhile, Selangor Umno chairman Datuk Seri Noh Omar said the state Umno appreciated Ja’afar’s invaluable deeds in safeguarding the nation.
In another development, a representative of Ja’afar’s family, Haerris Khizer Mohd Riani, 29, said the octogenarian loved to write books and contributed a lot to national politics.Ja’afar’s remains were buried at the Section 21 Muslim Cemetery at 12.30pm yesterday.
– BERNAMA
