DR Md Farid Md Rafik, who died early this morning, was laid to rest at the Sheikh Haji Ahmad Waqf Muslim Cemetery in Kg Chokoh, Serkat, near Pontian at 5.30pm today.

Some 300 people, including Pontian residents, family members and relatives, were seen at the funeral.

Earlier, the deputy minister in the prime minister’s department’s remains were taken to the Dato Noh Gadut Serkat Mosque in Kg Serkat for funeral prayers.

Also present to pay their last respects and join the funeral prayers were Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is also Bersatu chairman, and his wife, Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.

Dr Mahathir, who arrived at the mosque at 3.40pm, spent about an hour mingling with local  community members and leaders.

At the mosque, Dr Mahathir was accompanied by Johor Menteri Besar Dr Sahruddin Jamal, state and federal government leaders, as well as Johor Bersatu chairman Mazlan Bujang.

Earlier, family members, close relatives and friends gathered at the Forensic Unit of Pontian Hospital as the autopsy was conducted from 12.30pm to 2pm.

Soon after the final bath and shrouding, Dr Farid’s remains were taken to his mother’s house in Kg Serkat Laut in a funeral van accompanied by police escorts. 

Dr Farid, 42, who was also Tanjung Piai MP, died at 6am today at Pontian Hospital due to heart complications.

He won the Tanjung Piai seat in the last general election after defeating incumbent Wee Jeck Seng of MCA with a 524-vote majority.

Dr Farid leaves behind wife, Farah Syazwani Hanis Ismail, and three daughters. – Bernama, September 21, 2019.