PUTRAJAYA: Rozaid Abdul Rahman(pic), the Prime Minister’s Office Media and Strategic Communications director, was laid to rest at the Precinct 20 Muslim cemetery here.
The funeral rites and prayers were earlier held at the Putra Heights Mosque in Subang Jaya.
His remains were then transported to the cemetery for burial at 10.50am yesterday.
Rozaid’s eldest son Roz Ariffin, 33, said his father had been in good spirits shortly after he was discharged from the hospital and was scheduled for a health checkup yesterday.
“Before his passing, he told me to take good care of my younger siblings, to look after the family and to ensure everyone is well taken care of,” he told reporters.
Loved and mourned: (Left) An emotional and tearful scene as the family of the late Rozaid gather during his burial at the Precinct 20 Muslim Cemetery in Putrajaya.. — Bernama
Rozaid, 59, passed away on Sunday evening after experiencing heart complications at his home in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya.
He was admitted for treatment at Sultan Idris Shah Hospital, Serdang, on July 1 and was discharged on Aug 6.
Among those who came to pay their respects at the mosque yesterday was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who extended his condolences to the family.
“I have lost a dear friend and family member because Rozaid had been a long-time acquaintance since his days in the media,” the Prime Minister told reporters at the mosque.
“His father was a close friend in Permatang Pauh and even served as a state assemblyman.
Anwar arriving to pay his respects at the Putra Heights Mosque in Subang Jaya. — Bernama
“When he was in the Prime Minister’s Office, he was a key figure in strategising media relations and providing a positive approach.
“My family and I pray that Rozaid’s soul will be blessed by Allah. I hope his family will be granted patience,” the Prime Minister added.
Anwar was there with his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Rozaid was mourned by a large crowd that included relatives, colleagues, ministers, government officials and media personalities.
Prominent media leaders who came included Star Media Group (SMG) adviser and Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, SMG chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng, Sin Chew Daily editor-in-chief Kuik Cheng Kang and Sinar Harian news editor Junhairi Alyasa.Rozaid was previously with SMG as its group consulting editor. He was also previously group editor of Sinar Harian. He started his career as a cadet reporter for Utusan Malaysia in April 1984.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the late Rozaid had made many contributions to the nation’s development throughout his career since the 1980s.
“His professionalism and dedication to the media industry has been widely recognised and his contributions and services to society, the nation and journalism, especially to SMG, will be remembered forever,” he said in a Facebook post.
Dr Wee described Rozaid’s passing as a great loss, especially to the country’s media industry.
“I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
