KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim described the death of Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) media and strategic communications director Rozaid Abdul Rahman as a profound loss, saying that he regarded him as both a friend and a family member.
He extended his condolences to Rozaid’s family following his passing yesterday.
“I have lost a friend and family member because Rozaid has been a long-time acquaintance since his days in the media. His father was a close friend in Permatang Pauh and even served as a state assemblyman.
“In the Prime Minister’s Office, he was a key figure in strategising media relations and providing a positive approach.
“My family and I pray that Rozaid’s soul will be blessed and his wife and family will be granted patience. Personally, I have lost a dear friend and comrade,” he was reported as saying.
Anwar was met by reporters after paying his last respects at the Putra Heights Mosque here today.
Earlier, Anwar and his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail spent nearly an hour at the mosque.
Also present were former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad, and Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
Nearly 100 people performed the funeral prayers led by Putra Heights Mosque imam Muhammad Ilyas Zulkipli.
The body was later taken to the Precinct 20 Muslim cemetery in Putrajaya.
Among those who attended the funeral were Federal Territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, and Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
Rozaid, 59, who took on the role of director of media and strategic communications on May 23, 2023, died at his residence in Putra Heights due to heart issues.
A veteran journalist with more than four decades of experience, Rozaid had been treated at Sultan Idris Shah Hospital, Serdang, since July 1 and was discharged on August 6.
He leaves behind his wife and seven children, aged between 17 and 33. – August 19, 2024