KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 – Former deputy prime minister Tun Musa Hitam described the late Tan Sri Mohamed Basir Ahmad as a “perfect Malay gentleman.”
 We became friends after I found that he was the husband of a minister (Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz). He had an interesting character, gentle and well bred. “Tan Sri (Basir) brought up his children well. I was surprised when Rafidah informed me of his death via short message service (SMS),” he told reporters at Masjid Umar Al-Khattab, Bukit Damansara, here Sunday. Musa together with several acquaintances and family members were present to pay their respects and prayed for Mohamed Basir.

Also present were former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar and International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed. Meanwhile, former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said Mohamed Basir was friendly and always cheerful. Nor Mohamed who worked with Mohamed Basir at Bank Negara said the banker contributed much to the country, especially to the banking sector.

Abdul Wahid who also served with Mohamed Basir at Bank Negara described him as a responsible man and very objective. “I extended my deepest condolences to Rafidah’s family on the death of her husband and pray that they have the strength to face it.” Meanwhile, Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil described Mohamed Basir as a respected corporate leader and his death is a great loss. She said that when Rafidah was the Wanita Umno chief, he was always positive and a source of strength to her.

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