KOTA KINABALU: Known as a "gentleman politician", Tun Sakaran Dandai died after a week-long battle with a Covid-19 infection on Monday. He was 91.

       Sakaran, whose political career spanned from the formation of Malaysia in 1963 to becoming Umno's first chief minister in 1994 and later Governor, would always be remembered by many as a "good and humble man" in Sabah's rough and tumble politics.

       It was best illustrated through his brotherly embrace of Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan when the latter's Parti Bersatu Sabah's government collapsed and had to make way to Umno, led by Barisan Nasional which was helmed by Sakaran.

       Sakaran was sworn in as chief minister in March 1994 after Pairin lost his majority and tendered his resignation, three weeks after the state elections the same year.

       Former minister in Sakaran's cabinet Datuk Tham Nyip Shen said Sakaran was a "fine gentleman" who always worked towards uniting the people.

       "As a leader, he had the people in his heart. He was gentle, even to the opposition.

       "I had the honour to join his cabinet in 1994, and witnessed the graceful transition of power," said Tham, who was part of the Sabah Progressive Party which was a partner in Sabah Barisan.

       Condolences poured in to Sakaran's family from all over Malaysia with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor describing him as a "veteran leader" who served Sabah well.

       In extending his condolences to Sakaran's wife Toh Puan Siti Rukaiyah Abdullah, Hajiji said Sakaran was a Malaysian leader who contributed to the people especially in Sabah.

       "Sakaran remains an influential leader," he said in a statement on Monday (Aug 30).

       Born in April 15, 1930, Sakaran's political career began with Sabah's first state election in 1967 when he won a state seat in Semporna for the now defunct Usno.

       He remained undefeated in the seat until 1994 when he resigned to become Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

       He was also Semporna MP from 1974 to 1990, losing it only once in 1981.

       Sakaran, whose political career grew under the late Tun Datu Mustapha Harun, joined Umno when Mustapha decided to dissolve the party to merge with Umno that spread its wings in 1991.

       However, a political feud between the late Tun Ghafar Baba and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the Umno deputy presidency in the early 1990s, and subsequent changes in Sabah Umno, saw Mustapha quitting Umno.

       It put Sakaran into the leadership position of the state Umno and when Barisan took over the state government.

       Sakaran became chief minister in March 1994 until Dec 1994 and was then appointed as Governor (Jan 1995 to Dec 2002).

       Since his retirement, Sakaran has kept a relatively low profile.

       Sakaran's son Datuk Nasir and nephew Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (now opposition Parti Warisan Sabah president) were among those from his family who continue to be active in politics.

       He will be laid to rest at the Heroes Mausoleum at the state mosque in Sembulan here, Nasir said, adding that the funeral arrangements were handled by the mosque authorities.

       Sakaran was admitted to the Gleneagles Hospital on Aug 19 and was at the intensive care unit since last Wednesday.