KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — The former political secretary of Malaysia’s second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad or more commonly known as Dollah Kok Lanas, 79, died today in a private hospital from cancer.

According to his wife, Puan Sri Fauzah Mohamed Derus, her husband died at 1.15pm with her and their children by his side.

Abdullah leaves behind a wife and three children - Adhha Amir, 47; Ahmad Fuad, 42; and a daughter Hamdia Munirah, 45.

Fauzah said Abdullah’s last wish was to be buried at the Muslim cemetery at the Ayesha Mosque in Kok Lanas, Kelantan.

It is understood the funeral will be held tomorrow morning.

Abdullah’s body was taken back to his home in Jalan U-Thant here at about 3.45pm.

During his lifetime, Abdullah once held the posts of deputy minister, Malaysia’s special envoy to the United Nations, Member of Parliament and editor-in-chief of the New Straits Times Press.

His eldest son, Adhha Amir, described him as a man of principles who was caring, ethical and honourable.

“He always reminded us to preserve the family’s honour and to be concerned about the welfare of his four grandchildren,” he said.

Adhha Amir said his father was confirmed to suffer from stage four oesophageal cancer after Hari Raya Aidilfitri last year.

“He was undergoing follow-up treatment at a private hospital in Petaling Jaya until last Monday when he was admitted into the Pantai Medical Centre after the disease spread to his kidneys and liver,” he said.

Abdullah’s close friend, Tun Musa Hitam, described his death as a big loss to the nation.

“Abdullah was the best example for anyone who wants to be involved in politics because we were in the same field,” he said, adding that Abdullah was a trustworthy man who was dedicated to his work.

The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah also paid his last respects to Abdullah at his home in Jalan U-Thant.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak also arrived there to pay his respects.

Other dignitaries who were present included former Prime Ministers Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, former Deputy Prime Minister Tun Musa Hitam, former Finance Minister and Gua Musang Member of Parliament Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, former Menteri Besar of Perak Tan Sri Ramli Ngah Talib, and Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang. — Bernama