KOTA BARU, June 13 — The late Tan Sri Abdullah Ahmad, better known as ‘Dollah Kok Lanas’, was no miser when it came to sharing the wide knowledge he possessed, especially in politics. 

“I am a beneficiary of his advice and political knowledge,” said two-term Kok Lanas state assemblyman Datuk Md Alwi Che Ahmad who was close to Abdullah.

He said Abdullah had vast knowledge of the intricacies of politics and was never reluctant to share it with anyone at all.

Abdullah became the MP for Machang after winning the seat in the general election in 1974, and in November 1976 was arrested under the Internal Security Act.

Following his conditional release in February 1981, he contested and won the Kok Lanas parliamentary seat in the general election in 1986. He failed to defend the seat in the general election in 1990.

Md Alwi, who is the Kelantan Umno Information chief, said Abdullah liked to share his experiences, and he was well-versed with Kelantan politics.

“Tan Sri’s death is a huge loss which cannot be replaced,” he told Bernama.

Abdullah died yesterday at the age of 79 and was laid to rest today at the Muslim cemetery at Masjid Ayesha, a mosque he had built in Kok Lanas.

Md Alwi, who turns 60 on Wednesday, said Abdullah came to be known as ‘Dollah Kok Lanas’ for the role he played as an exemplary leader in the constituency.

“Abdullah was indeed a great man and outspoken and this made him well-known and the name came to be used by many,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob conveyed his condolences over the passing of Abdullah. — Bernama