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Dr Rani was a good man - Hannah Yeoh

KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh paid a touching tribute to former Meru assemblyman Dr Abdul Rani Osman, who passed away on Monday.

In a posting on her Facebook page, Yeoh called Dr Rani a good man and a dear friend.

"The second day of Chinese New Year brought sudden news in the morning that my good friend had passed on. In shock, I called his wife and she confirmed the sad news. I rushed to Meru to bid farewell.

"In the mosque, the prayers mixed with sobbing ended with "ini hamba Allah yang baik". I can testify that this is indeed true. Dr Rani was a good, good man," said Yeoh.

She added that whenever she was attacked for her faith, Dr Rani would assure her not to worry.

"When my daughter was born and dedicated in church, Dr Rani attended the simple ceremony. When the DUMC (Damansara Utama Methodist Church) raid happened, he led a delegation of Muslim politicians to dialogue with the church. He showed me how to do life with people of other faiths," said the Segambut member of Parliament.

She said when Pakatan Rakyat went their separate ways, Dr Rani remained in Pas and Pas Selangor's best outing in general elections happened when Dr Rani was the Selangor Pas Commissioner.

"We kept in touch. Last year, we met and had a meal together in Meru. I am glad I did not procrastinate that nudging I had in my heart.

"When my campaign billboards were vandalised recently, Dr Rani messaged me to check on me. His wife told me that he had just watched me on TV serving as Youth and Sports Minister," said Yeoh.

She said she was glad that she was in town that day so she could be at his burial.

"Cried my eyes out. He will be missed so dearly. Politically we are opponents but Dr Rani was first and foremost a dear friend. And I will remember him that way. You lived the high calling of public service so well. Loss of positions did not deter you from serving the people of Meru.

"Everything in me concurs with that last prayer said about this man's life - "ini hamba Allah yang baik". Yes and amen. I love you Dr Rani and thank you for touching my life."

Dr Rani, 64, died after losing consciousness while on holiday with his family in Carey Island, Kuala Langat. He died on his way to Banting Hospital at about 5am.

Dr Rani, who studied medicine in Egypt, was Meru assemblyman for two terms from 2008 to 2018. He was Selangor Pas commissioner from 2011 to 2013.

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