ALOR STAR: Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub's wife Datin Seri Fatimah Taha and their six children were present when he passed away at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital here about 9.23pm this evening.
Agriculture and Food Security minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said Salahuddin's family appeared calm as they were by his side when Salahuddin breathed his last.
"His children took turn to whisper to his ear to bid their farewell and apologised to him although he was no longer conscious.
"We are all shocked and saddened by his sudden departure," Mohamad, who is also Parti Amanah Negara president told reporters at the hospital.
Present were Amanah vice-president and state Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Mahfuz Omar and state Amanah chairman Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh.
He said Salahuddin's remains is scheduled to be flown to Johor in a RMAF aircraft after midnight for funeral arrangements at his hometown in Tanjung Piai, Pontian.
Mohamad described Salahuddin, who was also Amanah deputy president and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living minister, was a dedicated person.
"Even Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged that Salahuddin was one of the ministers that were dedicated in carrying out their duties," he said.
Mohamad added that he was very close to Salahuddin after they become friends decades ago.
"Let us pray that he will be placed with the righteous ones," he said.
Meanwhile, caretaker Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said Salahuddin's passing a great loss.
"I wish to express my deepest condolences to his wife and children. I hope they will be granted with patience during this difficult time.
"We have become friends since 1997, it was a long way back. He occasionally came over and slept at my home several times. He is a true gentlemen.
"We appreciate his hard works as the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living minister, especially in managing the price of goods," he told reporters after paying his last respect to Salahuddin.
Salahuddin had been placed in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after undergoing surgery to treat brain haemorrhage yesterday.
He was rushed to the hospital at about 10.15pm Friday, after developing nausea and vomiting.
He had arrived in Kedah on Friday morning to attend several programmes prior to the incident.