KUALA LUMPUR: Tributes and condolences poured in from ministers and members of Parliament on social media following the death of former chief secretary to the government, Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.
Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein described Ali as a friend who the former has the highest respect for.
"I received the sad news this morning that Ali has returned to rahmatullah. The former chief secretary to the government has made major contributions during his service to the nation.
"This is a loss for the country.
"I would like to express my condolence to the entire family. My family and I pray that his soul is blessed by Allah and his loved ones remain strong facing this very challenging situation," said the Sembrong MP.
Other Cabinet members and MPs who took to their official Facebook accounts to express their condolences to Ali's family including National Unity Minister Datuk Halimah Mohamad Sadique, Senior International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Azmin Ali and former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Azmin, who is also the Gombak MP, said he looked up to the personality and leadership of Ali throughout his services in the civil services.
"He was always concerned and would try to improve the quality of the civil service.
"May his soul receive husnul khatimah and be placed in heaven, full of the blessings from Allah," said Azmin.