KUALA LUMPUR: The late former Malaysia Airlines Bhd managing director Tan Sri Dr Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman had all the traits of a good man who lived a valued life — he was an exemplary character, an inspiring leader and a loving grandfather.
“My grandfather is truly one of a kind. He was passionate, honest, noble and admirable.
“It is not easy to find someone like him, especially nowadays, in the corporate world and politics,” said his eldest granddaughter, Liyana Khairul Azman, 30.
She said even though Aziz, 86, was diagnosed with oesophagus cancer in December 2018, he did not skip his daily visits to Masjid Saidina Umar Al-Khattab in Bukit Damansara for subuh prayers.
“He had a great passion for law and put his heart into work. When there were interesting court stories on television, he would point it out to relatives.
“My grandfather treated us with kindness, love and affection.”
She said due to his age, the family decided not to proceed with chemotherapy.
She said when Aziz was diagnosed, he was calm and accepted it as fate.
She said he lived as though he did not have any illness.
“Towards the end of his life, among problems he encountered were difficulties eating and two bleeding incidents. The last one happened about last week.”
Liyana said her family brought him to Gleneagles Ampang on Wednesday and were told about his deteriorating health.
“My grandfather took his last breath surrounded by his children, grandchildren and relatives. He died at 11.40pm.
“Since he was diagnosed, many came to see him, regardless of race and background, at the home in Bukit Damansara and the hospitals.”
Aziz was buried at the Bukit Kiara Muslim cemetery. He is survived by wife, Puan Sri Wan Zakiah Wan Ibrahim, children Aziah, Azlan, Anita Azrina and Adina Azwan, six grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Many paid their last respects at Masjid Saidina Umar Al-Khattab, where solat jenazah was held yesterday.
Present were former Malaysia Airlines chairman Tan Sri Dr Mohd Munir Abdul Majid, former minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, former Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Kamarudin Md Ali and Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation senior vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
Munir said Aziz was an outstanding worker during his era and played a pivotal role in overseeing the airline when it began to grow.
“He loved the airline and did a great job managing the airline.
“By the time he left, the airline began to face greater challenges.
“However, the most important point was that he was a great servant of the airline.”
Shabery said he met Aziz several months ago and the latter was still following the development of the airline, giving his thoughts on why the airline was facing challenges, including losses.
“His heart was very much with the airline. This (Aziz’s death) is a great loss to the nation. I am saddened by his death. He had so many ideas that we could have learnt from.”
Kamarudin said Aziz and him were among the congregators of Masjid Saidina Umar Al-Khattab.
“Aziz had a pleasant character. He was easy to talk to, especially during discussions.
“I remember him as a successful corporate leader, a champion of Islamic causes and a formidable lawyer that the younger generation can look up to. I hope his soul will be placed among the pious.”
Lee said Aziz brought Malaysia Airlines to greater heights.
“He had shown a great performance. Until today, MAS staff still hold great respect for him due to his great contributions.
“This is a great loss to the nation and the aviation industry. I knew him when he was MAS’ managing director and I managed to speak to him while I was still a member of parliament.
“I hope all of his good deeds can be an inspiration to those in the industry,” he said and expressed his condolences to Aziz’s family.
“I hope they will be patient during these trying times. I am saddened to have lost a friend.”