PONTIAN: The late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub was a caring brother and always prioritised his family especially his mother.
His younger brother, Ghazaley Ayub, 56, said despite Salahuddin's packed schedule, he would make it a point to always return home to Kampung Serkat (Kopi Tenggek), Tanjung Piai here to meet their 83-year-old widowed mother Aminah Abdullah.
He would always rush to her upon arriving home and kiss her hand. He would then say (after kissing her hand): "Now, everything feels good and I am the happiest man for being able to still kiss my mother's hand."
"It would always make my mother smile and she would count her blessings.
"He was very responsible. After our father passed away in 2009, he shouldered the responsibility of taking care of his two younger siblings," said Ghazaley.
Salahuddin's wife, Datin Seri Fatimah Taha, said throughout his political journey, the family stood firm by him.
"We accept his passing although it breaks our heart. He was a good and responsible son, husband, father and brother.
"All his last wishes were granted, including for our eldest son to lead his funeral prayers. My children and I were constantly by his bedside at the hospital. I held his hand when he passed," she said, adding that when Salahuddin was taken ill during a programme in Kedah on Friday, she was also by his side.
"Our six children, four boys and two girls, shared their final moments with him, and also managed to apologise to him," she said.
"I accompanied him to the programme in Kedah, and I am glad he was not alone when he had the seizures."
On Friday, Salahuddin, who was also the Amanah deputy president, was rushed to the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital emergency ward at 10.15 am after vomiting and feeling nauseated.
