KUCHING: Former Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Abang Ahmad Urai Datu Abang Mohideen (pic) died at the Normah Sarawak Medical Centre in Petra Jaya here.

       The 89-year-old breathed his last at about 12.30am yesterday.

       His personal assistant confirmed the news of his passing when contacted.

       “Tan Sri was rushed to the Normah Medical Centre after he collapsed while attending a function at a hotel (in Kuching),” she said, Bernama reported.

       He was buried at the Masjid Bahagian Kuching Muslim cemetery here after Zohor prayers.

       Ahmad Urai was Senate president from 1988 to 1990.

       He had also served as Sarawak Assistant Culture, Youth and Sports Minister.

       Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said Ahmad Urai contributed a lot to Sarawak and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), saying he had been involved in politics for decades.

       “PBB has certainly lost a leader with vast experience and for me personally I have lost an uncle.

       “He was among the older generation of leaders who guided us on how to serve the community,” the PBB president told reporters after attending a Gawai open house at Dewan Suarah Bau.