KUALA LUMPUR: Tributes pour in for veteran of the property industry Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal Abu Bakar, founder of the Emkay Group who died this morning at the age of 73.
Many recalled Mustapha's years of determination and passion to build homes that people could afford, especially first-time homebuyers.
Former prime minister and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Lembaga Tabung Haji's former chief executive officer Datuk Nik Mohd Hasyudeen Yusoff, among others, paid glowing tribute to Mustapha.
Muhyiddin described Mustapha as a well-known big name and one of the successful Malays in Malaysia's corporate world.
He said as founder of the Emkay Group, Mustapha had contributed a lot to the development of the country's real estate sector, especially involving the construction of affordable houses.
"Mustapha was also one of the earliest businessman who pioneered the concept of building affordable houses to give people the opportunity to own affordable home.
"Let us all pray that his soul may be blessed and be placed among the righteous. I also pray that his family members will be patient in facing these sad moments," Muhyiddin posted on his Facebook page today.
Meanwhile, Nik Mohd Hasyudeen appreciated the services of the famous corporate figure, saying Mustapha had contributed a lot to building his professional career.
Nik Mohd Hasyudeen, in his Facebook, also wrote that when he worked with Aidid and Co, the Emkay group was one of its main clients.
Mustapha died at 7.45am at the National Heart Institute and would be laid to rest at the Bukit Kiara Muslim cemetery, Astro Awani reported.
Mustapha founded Emkay Group in 1983 and was behind Damansara Perdana and several other prominent townships in Selangor.
He was also the co-founder of MK Land Holdings Bhd.