TUARAN: Tuaran Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, described the passing of Elphedge Godomon as a significant loss to journalism in Sabah.
He said that Elphedge was among the pioneering journalists who ensured that news, events, and current affairs in Sabah gained national attention through TV3.
"The news of his passing earlier this week came as a shock to many. He was a dedicated individual, well-liked by his colleagues, the community, and local leaders, both professionally and personally. I personally knew him and his family. His passing is not only a great loss to his family but also to the world of journalism in Sabah," he said after attending Elphedge's funeral mass service at St Martin Catholic Church in Kampung Malangang Lama, Kiulu, earlier today.
Madius, who is also the United Kinabalu Progressive Organisation (Upko) honorary president, urged everyone to pray for strength and resilience for Elphedge's family.
"Let us all pray for his soul to find peacefulness and for his family to find strength to endure this painful time. My heartfelt condolences to his entire family," he said.
The ceremony, which began at 11am, was also attended by the Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) president Datuk Muguntan Vanar, media colleagues, relatives, and friends of the late Elphedge.
Elphedge passed away at the age of 53 at his family residence in Kampung Kionsom Lama on Dec 24.
A seasoned journalist, Elphedge served in TV3 Sabah's newsroom and current affairs division for 24 years since 1994, with his last position as the Sabah bureau chief in 2018.
The late journalist, who was also the chief editor of the Nabalu News portal, is survived by two children aged 17 and 19. His wife passed away in 2016.