KUALA LUMPUR – Former Silam Member of Parliament Datuk Dr Salleh Kalbi passed away at Lahad Datu Hospital at 4.40am today due to a lung infection. He was 61.
His death was confirmed by his wife, Datin Fatmah Abdul Aziz, who said he had been receiving treatment at the hospital for more than two weeks, Sabah Media reported.
“His remains will be prepared (for burial rites) and the funeral prayer will be held at Masjid Firdaus in Kampung Sapagaya. He is expected to be laid to rest at the Muslim cemetery in Kampung Terusan after Zohor prayers today,” she said.
Salleh, who served as a Barisan Nasional MP for Silam — now known as Lahad Datu — from 2008 to 2013, represented the state constituencies of Tungku, Lahad Datu and Kunak during his tenure.
He was known for his humility and close rapport with the people, and remained active in championing local issues through Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) until his final days.
He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Amirah Mahfuzah Syopieah and Amera Elezadiba Syalesiah. – April 13, 2025