Our nation lost a beloved leader recently with the passing of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.
One of the most popular ministers in the Unity Government’s Cabinet thanks to the many initiatives his ministry introduced such as the ‘Rahmah’ programme, his death was confirmed through a statement by his daughter, Fatihah Salahuddin on 23 July.
The death of Salahuddin, who was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Pulai, also meant that a by-election would be held in the constituency within 60 days. Accordingly, the Malaysian Election Commission (SPR) announced that the by-election will be held on 9 September 2023.
As such, the Pulai seat in the Dewan Rakyat has officially been vacated. As a token of respect, Parliament allowed Fatihah to enter the Dewan Rakyat and help clear the seat which his late father used to occupy.
In a heartbreaking Twitter post, Fatihah shared a short video and a couple of photos of her stepping into the House and clearing out her late father’s seat.
She also shared how she wore the late Salahuddin’s cloths to Parliament in his memory and took his nameplate off his seat in the Dewan Rakyat.
She shared,
“I broke down in tears as soon as I stepped into the House. It feels just like yesterday we campaigned for him in Pulai.”
“Now, the mandate is returned to the rakyat.”
Was wearing ayah’s shirt to the Parliament to take his name plate off earlier today.
I broke down in tears as soon as I stepped into the House.
It feels just like yesterday we campaigned for him in Pulai.
Now, the mandate is returned to the rakyat. pic.twitter.com/emp5Lor2XA
— Fatihah Salahuddin (@fthhslhddn) August 8, 2023
On Monday, Fatihah shared a touching tribute to her late father, recalling two weeks prior to Salahuddin’s death when he wished her a happy birthday and wanted to take her to go out and eat. Sadly, the opportunity to do so never came to be.
“Happy birthday. Nanti kita gi makan. Tengoklah bila. Ayah busy sikit seminggu dua ni”.
2 weeks later u left us for good. U’re gone in the same month of my birthday.
U took a part of me that will never be healed, dad.
Al-Fatihah buat ayah. pic.twitter.com/ne6hEwuS1x
— Fatihah Salahuddin (@fthhslhddn) August 7, 2023
What a heartbreaking moment for Fatihah. While Salahuddin may be gone, we are sure that his legacy will continue to be remembered by all Malaysians.
Our sincerest condolences to Fatihah and her family.
Also read: Domestic Trade & Cost of Living Minister, Salahuddin Ayub, Passes Away in Alor Setar
