KUALA LUMPUR – Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad described his assistant Ismail Manaf, who died today, as a person who had an extraordinary level of loyalty, and had never been absent from his duties nor been careless.
In a Facebook post today Dr Mahathir said the late Ismail was with him since he was appointed as deputy prime minister in the 1970s until yesterday when he still came to work.
“Today I am very sad. I have lost a very good friend, assistant and a strong supporter who passed away this morning. Today, Ismail did not wait for me. I have lost a loyal assistant and really feel his absence,” he said.
He added that the late Ismail was not just carrying out his duties for the salary he received but believed what he did was the right thing.
“Yesterday, Ismail was not feeling well and should have gone on leave. Before leaving we greeted each other but did not expect that would be our last meeting. Every living thing must die,” he said. – June 5, 2024