KOTA KINABALU: "He punched me in the face, " Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said of a man who attacked him after results for the Pensiangan parliamentary seat was announced on Nomination Day during the 12th General Election in 2008
Then, Kurup won uncontested, triggering anger among a small mob who were not happy with the outcome.
As he was ushered out of the Nomination Centre in Nabawan, a human barricade was set but a man leapt from the opposing crowd and landed a punch that grazed Kurup on his face.
"This is not who we are. There are laws and we should respect that," he had calmly said later in Keningau, where he lodged a police report.
Kurup eventually met with his attacker, who expressed regret over what happened, and dealt with a petition that was filed against the results.
He forgave the man, and the petition was quashed as the election results remained.
Kurup, who died at the age of 80 on Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur, was known for his patience and calm demeanour when approaching challenges.
The punch in face was hardly an obstacle when compared to the political journey he endured and persevered in a span of 40 years until his retirement last year.
Political analyst Tony Paridi Bagang said Kurup demonstrated commendable qualities, highlighting his efficacy as a politician and leader, especially within the framework of Malaysia's heterogeneous and multicultural society.
"His diplomatic acumen played a pivotal role in facilitating the resolution of disputes and promoting harmony among the multicultural and ethnicities that comprised Malaysia.
"His aptitude for negotiating and mediating rendered him an invaluable leader in endeavors to uphold societal harmony. He fervently championed a multicultural approach in administration, placing great emphasis on the significance of inclusivity and reverence for all ethnic groups in Malaysia.
"This activism had a critical role in fostering national unity in a nation with a diverse ethnic landscape," Bagang said.
As the founder and former president of the Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), Kurup helped pull together many native Kadazandusun and Murutcommunities from interior rural areas.
"He displayed strong leadership skills by guiding the party towards a vision that was in line with the overall national interests. His various positions in the government demonstrated his capacity to effectively manage important national duties," he said.
Kurup prioritised the socio-economic advancement of Sabah, advocating for measures that aimed to enhance the well-being of its residents, particularly in his constituency, Pensiangan.
Former Deputy State Speaker Datuk Johnson Tee said Kurup was a revered figure in Malaysian politics, particularly for his role in fostering unity and development in Sabah.
He was known as a practical leader who prioritised harmony among different ethnic groups and avoided unnecessary conflicts.
"As a PBRS party president and founder member of PBS, he was a respected statesman, embodied integrity, vision for his party, and dedication to unity.
"As a friend, he was dedicated to Sabah's interests, while as a politician, he remained pragmatic, calm amidst adversity, and strategic in navigating complexities for progress. His decisiveness and empathy inspired unity among the people, contributing to Sabah's growth and stability," Tee said.