KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has extended his condolences to the family of the late former Head of State Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng, who passed away on Friday (Jan 28).

He described Salahuddin as a leader who had contributed greatly for the people of Sarawak and the development of Sarawak.

“Condolences to the family of the late Tun Pehin Sri Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng, the former Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, who has returned to Rahmatullah.

“May Allah SWT shower blessings on his soul and place him among the souls of the pious and righteous,” he said in a post on his official Facebook page on Saturday (Jan 29).

Salahuddin, 100, died of natural causes at Normah Medical Centre at around 11.45pm on Friday.

He served as the third and sixth Head of State from 1977 to 1981 and then again from 2001 to 2014, being the first person to hold the post twice.