Kota kinabalu: The leaders and people of Sabah are in mourning this morning over the demise of Kinabatangan Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, who was also the Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, a much-beloved leader.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin, who is also a member of the UMNO Supreme Council, expressed his sadness over the loss of a leader who had significantly contributed to Sabah UMNO. He noted that Bung Moktar had been a personal influence on his own political journey.

'May his whole family continue to be patient with Allah's will. Let's all pray that his soul is blessed and placed among the righteous. Al-Fatihah,' he posted on Facebook this morning.

Bung Moktar died at a private hospital here at 1.46 am. He was 66.

Sabah UMNO Election Department director Jeffery Nor Mohamad, who is also the Putatan UMNO Division chief, expressed his sorrow over Bung Moktar's demise, recalling his last visit to the hospital at 1.30 am today. He reflected on the lessons Bung Moktar taught him about the spirit of struggle and shared his sadness over the loss.

Sabah UMNO treasurer Datuk Seri Salleh Keruak highlighted Bung Moktar's significant contributions to Sabah's political landscape and development, emphasizing the void left in the community and the state. He extended his prayers for Bung Moktar's soul to be blessed and granted a place in heaven.

State Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal, also the Lahad Datu MP from Parti Warisan, offered his condolences to Bung Moktar's family, relatives, and acquaintances.

Tempasuk state assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) conveyed his condolences to Bung Moktar's family, praying for his soul to be placed among the righteous.