KOTA KINABALU: Veteran Sabah politician Datuk Lajim Ukin has passed away from Covid-19 on Sunday (Aug 29) morning.

       The 66-year-old, who was a Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia supreme council member, died after battling the virus among other health complications since being hospitalised on Aug 13.

       According to Sinar Harian, Lajim's widow, Datin Seri Normila Siong, confirmed his passing.

       “Yes it is true, he passed away at 6.23 this morning and I received a call from the hospital.

       "So far, he is still at KPJ Hospital but I will take his body back to (his hometown of Kg Kebatu) Beaufort," Normila said.

       Lajim, who was also the Amanah Ikthiar Malaysia (AIM) executive chairman, had been placed under an induced coma to help with his recovery since late Tuesday (Aug 24) afternoon.

       The former Beaufort MP and Klias assemblyman had gone to the Sabah northern Kudat district to attend a Sabah Chief Minister function on Aug 12 and on his return, he took ill before he was tested positive for Covid-19.