KOTA KINABALU: The death of Datuk Lajim Ukin has cost Sabah a leader who contributed a great deal to the state and nation, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

       In sending his condolences to the family, he said Lajim was a politician and leader whose contributions were immensely valuable to Sabah and Malaysia.

       "Among the roles and positions he held was deputy chief minister, state agriculture and food industries minister, deputy transport minister, deputy housing and local government minister, Klias assemblyman and Beaufort MP.

       "Let us all pray for his soul and may he be placed among the righteous," he said in a statement.

       Lajim 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.