KUALA LUMPUR: Former New Straits Times (NST) political correspondent Zubaidah Abu Bakar died earlier today. She was 64.
Her body was taken to the Tun Uda Mosque in Section 16.
Several former colleagues of Zubaidah collectively contributed their heartfelt memories and anecdotes to NST in her honour.
Former NST's online and news editor, Badrolhisham Bidin, who received the news today said Zubaidah's sudden passing had shocked him.
"I often addressed her as Kak Bedah. As far as I've known her, Kak Bedah was lovable. She's a very kind person.
"We once covered a state election in Sarawak, and we stayed there for two weeks. She was very helpful with the assignments, and we worked together a lot.
Badrol further elaborated how he considered her a great colleague, and she was like a sister to him.
Meanwhile, NST's specialist writer, Adie Suri Zulkifli, based in Kedah, described Kak Bedah as a motherly figure among her juniors as she was a very kind and thoughtful teacher who's always willing to share her knowledge, especially when it comes to political writing.
"Her commentary pieces brought us insights into the national political sphere.
"As her junior, I had learnt immensely from her, having spent time with Kak Bedah during her field trips, meeting up with politicians in the northern states back then.
"It was a priceless experience, having learnt how to forge connections with those in politics, as well as understanding the dynamics of politics that shaped the nation," Adie added.
Former Media Prima Bhd (MPB) Television Networks News and Current Affairs group managing editor Datuk Seri Mohd Ashraf Abdullah said Zubaidah was known for her acts of kindness, mentorship, and unwavering support for budding journalists.
"She was a dedicated and passionate journalist with an exceptional career that spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of journalism.
"Throughout her tenure at the NST, she fearlessly delved into investigations, shedding light on societal injustices, political complexities, and human stories that needed to be heard.
"Her legacy lives on not just in the words she wrote but in the lives she touched and inspired," he said when contacted today.
Another colleague, Nelson Fernandez, praised Zubaidah as a calm journalist.
"If there were a word to describe her when it comes to work, I would say her calmness personified.
"She never panicked like many other young journalists, and she knew what to do. She handled her job very calmly.
"I will really, really miss her because we shared a very close bond," said Nelson.