KUALA LUMPUR: Both Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister paid tribute to the late Tan Sri Joseph Kurup who died earlier tonight at the National Heart Institute.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Joseph, a prominent figure in Sabah politics, would be deeply remembered by the people.
"To Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup and family, may you find strength and patience in receiving the sad news of the passing of Tan Sri Joseph Kurup today.
"My condolences are extended to the family of the deceased.
"The services and sacrifices of the late Joseph during his tenure as a minister at both federal and state levels will surely be remembered by the people and the nation.
"Praying that the soul of the deceased is forgiven of all sins and be granted a special place by His side," he said in a Facebook posting.
Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamdi described Joseph as his close friend who had always supported the party's struggle.
"On behalf of the Barisan Nasional, I would like to express my deepest condolences to Arthur and his family in facing this ordeal.
"May all the memories and love shared with my dear friend, Joseph, be the strength of the family in this moment of grief. I hope that his spirit will continue to live on in our hearts.
"He was a colleague who had been together in the Cabinet, a friend who always enthusiastically supported the party's struggle in times of both difficulty and joy.
"His departure will surely leave a thousand and one memories for me and my comrades."
Joseph, the founding president of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah, died at the age of 80.
