LETTER | At a time when global, and unfortunately, Malaysian politics too, are wracked with unnecessary polemics, even vitriol, the passing of Salahuddin Ayub is a timely reminder of what decency, kindness and thoughtfulness can all mean.

For lack of a better word, Pakcik Salahuddin, as he is fondly remembered (although we called each other bro), personified all the best qualities above and more.

While Masyarakat Madani, otherwise translated as enlightened society in various vernaculars in Malaysia, was the leading theme of the country between January to June, it was the Rahmah initiative by Salahuddin that captured our hearts.

Salahuddin, whose staunch belief in sheer compassion to defuse the rising cost of food, fuel, fertilisers and animal feed, all of which were triggered by external events such as the Pan Slavic War between Ukraine and Russia, that spurred the Rahmah initiative.

The Rahmah Menu, where food of all varieties, coupled with a simple drink, can be purchased with less than RM5, spawned many entrepreneurs, no doubt inspired by the fine example set by Salahuddin to come up with various other Rahmah initiatives too.

That, in more ways than one, gave Masyarakat Madani, a strong and powerful traction that the new administration or unity government was not one to trifle with.

The supermajority gained through the assiduous efforts of various component parties to form a grand coalition, as decreed by His Majesty Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, was something worthy of the best spirit of Malaysia and all cultures.

To those who had the privilege of tending to and working with Salahuddin, whether when he was the agriculture and agro-based industry minister or the domestic trade and cost of living minister, there is definitely a genteel and gentle aura that always stayed with him.

Even his top officers, Ahmad Sabki Yusof the foremost, now the chairperson of the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), often ooze a calm and balmy feeling of sheer conscientiousness.

That was the spirit that Salahuddin brought into two of the highest ministries in Malaysia.

In Parliament Hansards or that of the state assembly in Johor where Salahuddin hailed from, no one will find any terse or coarse use of any language. None.

He was always on the pulse of the nation.

The former Malaysian Ambassador to China, Raja Nurshiwan Zainal Abidin, now the director-general of the National Security Council (NSC), has only the best things to say about Salahuddin.

Cared for those in need

When tasked to promote the Musang King in China, Salahuddin kept his mind focused on ensuring that the “king of the fruits” would enjoy the best appeal and promotion.

When Salahuddin helmed the agriculture and agro-based industry, he concurred with Emir Research on the importance of pursuing a holistic food security policy and had many constructive engagements prior to the fall of Pakatan Harapan government due to the Sheraton Move.

Salahuddin fully subscribed to the five core thrusts that are very important for the people, which are:

• Mitigating the costs of living.

• Affordable and quality healthcare.

• Affordable and quality education.

• Dignified employment.

• Affordable and quality housing.

Hence his many Rahmah initiatives benefitted many.

More remarkably, Salahuddin once went on air in RTM 1 soon after the historic victory of May 9, 2018, and read out loud that he remains the same and will be accessible to all with or without power. And he does answer all his messages - as do his officers.

Malaysia did not just lose a fine Malay gentleman of the highest pedigree but also an invaluable minister. Salahuddin’s mother was a Chinese married to a Johorean Malay and chose to be true to her life and creed.

In turn, they raised the best son, Salahuddin, whom Allah SWT has loved more by recalling him on July 23.

Yes, few good men left in the politics of Rahmah, gone too soon.

Salahuddin will be remembered for all the great things he did for the nation with no pomp or grandeur. Al-Fatihah.

Author the president and chief executive officer of EMIR Research, a think tank focused on strategic policy recommendations based on rigorous research.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.