KOTA KINABALU: Sabah STAR secretary-general Senator Datuk Guandee Kohoi, who was tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday (Oct 24), has passed away in Kuala Lumpur.

       The former deputy tourism, arts and culture minister, who was in Kuala Lumpur to attend the Perikatan Nasional meeting, complained of chest pains earlier in the morning.

       He was admitted to hospital at around 5am on Monday (Oct 26) where he passed away later at 4.45pm.

       Guandee, who was made a deputy minister when Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was prime minister, was not re-appointed by his successor Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaacob when he took over in May this year.

       Sabah STAR president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said he was deeply saddened by the news and believed that the party has lost its most valuable warrior and member.

       "He was my most loyal ally and my dearest friend. He has been with me through thick and thin, even when I had nothing, he has never left my side. It would be very difficult to replace him," he said.

       Kitingan said he last spoke to Kohoi, at 10am today when Kohoi called him from the hospital.

       "He told me he was fine and not to worry. He assured me he will be out in three to four days. It really breaks my heart," he said.

       According to Kitingan's private secretary Rizal Johari, Kohoi's family except his wife, who also tested positive for Covid-19, are already on their way to Kuala Lumpur.