KOTA KINABALU: Despite having tight schedules, former Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Sakaran Dandai would find time to teach his 12 children on the importance of education.
Datuk Seri Nasir Sakaran said his 91-year-old father had taught them about being caring people who love knowledge.
"As his children, we have learnt a lot from his guidance not just (about) love... but in academic and religious knowledge. He was a busy man as a politician and so much so when he assumed the highest position in Sabah as the Yang Dipertua Negeri. But, he always paid attention to us and even the grandchildren.
"He also always showed his fondness for the people with his open arms disposition, from young children to the adults and he would remember those who knew him," he told reporters after Sakaran's funeral ceremony today.
Nasir also shared that the last time he talked to his father was two days ago via a video call.
"He was able to communicate clearly. With his (old) age, it was his time and we need to accept it is God's will. His last words were always to love each other, whether among family members or the community. It became our principle."
Sakaran was Semporna member of parliament from 1986 to 1995. He became the eighth Sabah chief minister from March to December 1994. He served as the eighth Yang Dipertua Negeri between Jan 1, 1995, and Dec 31, 2002.
Nasir extended his gratitude to the state government for making the funeral arrangements and to the people who had conveyed their condolences.
Sakaran died at a private hospital here this morning after being treated for Covid-19 since last week.
The hearse carrying his body arrived at the Makam Pahlawan compound at 11.15am and the funeral ceremony was completed about 30 minutes later.
Also present at the funeral were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Semporna MP Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
Sakaran leaves behind wife, Toh Puan Siti Rukaiyah Abdullah and 12 children.
