JOHOR BARU: Former Johor State Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Mohamad Aziz was laid to rest at the Bukit Aliff Muslim Cemetery here, at about 10am today.
Mohamad, who was a former Sri Gading Umno division chief and former Sri Gading Member of Parliament, died at the Sultan Ismail Hospital at 9.50pm yesterday due to kidney failure.
His remains were earlier taken to his house at Taman Nong Chik here.
Among those who paid their last respects were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad; State Secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani; state Agriculture, Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Samsolbari Jamali; and state Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Ayub Jamil.
Mohamad's son, Shukur, said his father was someone who was easily loved by those around him, but he was also strict.
"On the outside, 'Abah' was seen as a fierce man and there are those who called him 'singa selatan' (lion of the south), especially his political opponents.
"However, he was the most sporting father. What you saw on the outside was not how he was at home," said Shukur, the eldest of nine siblings.
He also expressed his gratitude to well-wishers.
"Thank you, because since last night, when they found out about his passing, a lot of people have asked about him, besides continuously praying for him.
"As the eldest of his children, I humbly ask for forgiveness. As a politician, he sometimes spoke harsh words even though he said them in jest. He had a good heart," said Shukur.