LETTER | Salahuddin Ayub, as a politician, was not that well-known unlike Anwar Ibrahim, Muhyiddin Yassin, Azmin Ali, Lim Guan Eng, Khairy Jamaluddin and many others.

Many observers, friends and politicians who have encountered Salahuddin and had conversations with him described the minister as a quiet, soft-spoken and humble leader.

Even in the toxic political climate, the outpouring of grief, sympathy and sadness coming from many including those from across the political divide after Salahuddin’s demise shows how kind-hearted the man was.

Many opine that we have few such leaders remaining in this turbulent political scenario. In the past, we had the former Kelantan menteri besar, the late Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat, ex-PAS leader the late Harun Din and former Sarawak chief minister, the late Adenan Satem.

In essence, we have lost a balanced leader with Salahuddin’s passing.

Even in the heated battle of politics, the message Sallahuddin spread was that his office and ministerial post were never for him or his family.

His responsibility and service to the people and his remembrance of the Almighty were foremost to him. That was probably the “badge” that he carried with him as a leader and politician.

Salahuddin will be missed and remembered as an exemplary, kind and good leader for many in the years to come.

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