SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described former National Unity and Community Development Minister Tan Sri Dr Siti Zaharah Sulaiman (pic) as someone who is determined, efficient and committed in her struggle.
“She was a close associate when we were both in Umno, when she was helming Wanita Umno,” wrote the Prime Minister on his Facebook page as a tribute to Siti Zaharah, 75, who passed away at Serdang Hospital on Friday.
Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi also extended his condolences, praying that her family will be granted strength and patience in facing this difficult time.
“The late Siti Zaharah was an extraordinary woman, resilient in facing every challenge. As Umno Youth chief in 1996, I witnessed the aura of a leader who successfully led Wanita Umno then,” he said.
Several government and party leaders also expressed their condolences, with Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali posting on Facebook that Siti Zaharah was a close friend of his late mother.
“I pray that her soul be blessed by Allah and placed among the faithful. My condolences to her entire family,” he wrote.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, who is also Wanita Umno chief, said Siti Zaharah had made significant contributions not only to movement, but also to the nation.
“Her contribution is invaluable and will continue to be remembered by people from all walks of life.
“Wanita Umno is deeply saddened by her passing and we convey our condolences to her family and friends. May she be placed among the believers and granted eternal peace,” she said.
Pahang Mentri Besar and Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail described her passing as a great loss to the country, state and Umno.
“May Allah shower her soul with His blessings and mercy, and place her among the righteous. Al-Fatihah,” he said.
Siti Zaharah’s second son, Jati Dzulkarnain Samarudin, said a tahlil (remembrance and recitation) for his mother will be conducted for three consecutive nights at the family house in Denai Alam.
“I am grateful to everyone, family members and friends, who were present at my mother’s funeral,” he told Bernama after she was laid to rest at Shah Alam’s Section 21 Muslim Cemetery.
Born on April 24, 1949, Siti Zaharah held several key government positions, including deputy planning director at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (1980 to 1986), deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (1986), deputy Health Minister (1995 to 1999), and National Unity and Community Development Minister (1999 to 2004).
In politics, she also served as Pahang Umno Wanita chief, Umno supreme council member, MP for Mentakab and Paya Besar, other than being Wanita chief.
She leaves behind four children and 12 grandchildren.
