PONTIAN: "Ayah had always said that if he were to die, let it be while he was serving the people."
"It's not wrong to say that 'his death wish came true'," said Iskandar Zulkarnain Salahuddin of his late father, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub.
The 37-year-old, who is the eldest son of the late domestic trade and cost of living minister, was happy that Salahuddin was granted all of his death wishes.
"He wanted to meet his creator while serving the people. He collapsed during a programme in Kedah, and my mother was by his side.
"He wanted his body to be brought to his mother's house, and our home, before his burial in his hometown… His final request was for me to recite his funeral prayer… Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), all of these were fulfilled," Iskandar said.
He said his siblings, consisting of four women and two men, including himself, were able to spend time with him and seek his forgiveness before his passing.
Iskandar said Salahuddin had frequently reminded him and his siblings that he belonged to the people because of the pledge he took when he ventured into politics.
"The six of us understood that as a leader he had responsibilities to fulfil, and we, his children, always knew that 'ayah belonged to the people'.
"We were taught that we should be independent and not to rely on him too much because he won't always be around… Yet, he was the best father that one could ever ask for.
"He gave us so much advice. I remember one where he always emphasised, which was not to interfere in his work affairs," he said at the Masjid Jamek Dato' Haji Noh Gadot near here today.
Iskandar asked for everyone to pray for Salahuddin, and hoped that the latter would be remembered for his good deeds.
"If my father had any shortcomings, made mistakes or uttered harsh words, we apologise on his behalf."