PUTRAJAYA, ‘Take care of your siblings. Make sure that the family is always in a good state,’ was the last message from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Media and Strategic Communications director Rozaid Abdul Rahman to his eldest son, Roz Ariffin, 33.
Rozaid passed away at his home in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Selangor, yesterday due to heart problems. He was 59.
Roz Ariffin said his father’s death was such a shock because he was in good health and was taking medication as prescribed by his doctors.
‘He was supposed to have a check-up at the hospital today,’ he told reporters after Rozaid’s remains were laid to rest at the Precinct 20 Muslim Cemetery today.
Rozaid was admitted to the Sultan Idris Shah Hospital in Serdang on July 1 and was discharged on Aug 6.
He is survived by a wife and seven children aged between 17 and 33.
Meanwhile, PMO’s Media and Strategic Communications Division staff said they lost a father figure who was always there to guide them.
Information Officer Muhammad Izzuddin Ja
malie said Rozaid was a firm leader but always spoke in a gentle tone, leading them to call him ‘bapa’ (father), adding that the PMO has lost a leader who was a source of inspiration and guidance in carrying out their duties for the nation.
His colleague, Amirul Aliif Nasaruddin, shared that while in the hospital, Rozaid expressed that as long as he was still serving, there were struggles to be resolved.
‘We always supported him not only as a leader but also as a father whom we respected. He will be missed,’ he said.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa said Rozaid’s passing was a huge loss for the Unity Government as he was always committed to ensuring the people understood the government’s agenda.
‘He was so committed to ensuring that all news and narratives conveyed by the MADANI government were delivered effectively.
‘…Insya-Allah…we will do our best to support his family regarding their needs. Let’s pray that he be granted a place beside Allah SWT,’ she
added.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency