KOTA KINABALU: Leaders from across the country have come together to pay tribute to the late Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, a prominent figure in Sabah politics.
His son Datuk Arthur expressed his gratitude to his father, acknowledging him as the epitome of excellence in his life.
"Thank you, Dad. You are the best. I love you with all my heart," said the Pensiangan member of parliament and deputy Agriculture and Food Security minister on his Facebook account.
The founding president of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah, 80, died at National Heart Institute tonight.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the state has lost an exceptional leader.
"I would like to extend my deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the family of Tan Sri Joseph Kurup.
"Reflecting on the time I had the honour to work alongside him, as his Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Industrial Development of Sabah back in 1994.
"I am reminded of his exceptional leadership and the considerable contributions he has made to our community, state and country.
"Kurup's legacy is one of dedication and service, a true loss to us all,"
he said.
Former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, conveyed his condolences to Kurup's family members.
"My condolences to Datuk Arthur Kurup and family members.
"The late (Joseph) was a leader who prioritised the people, friendly, and well-liked individuals.
"He had always advocated for the welfare and needs of the people of Sabah, prioritising the Barisan Nasional party."
MCA president Datuk Dr Seri Wee Ka Siong also recognised Joseph's significant contributions to Sabah.
"His leadership of the BN component party had been significant and will be deeply missed," he said.
Sabah-based Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) president, Datuk Peter Anthony, described Joseph's passing as a significant loss for Sabah.
He said Joseph's dedication to serving the people, especially in the interior regions of the state.
"His passing has shocked all of us; personally, I admire him for his immense contributions, not only to the people of this state but also to the entire country."
