Kuala Lumpur: Kumpulan Naza founder and Chairman Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin SM Amin, 53, who died of lung cancer in Los Angeles on Thursday, was buried at the Kampung Melaka Muslim Cemetery, Batu 9 Hulu Langat, near here, Sunday.His remains were taken to the burial ground at about 3.40pm, accompanied by family members and friends, and were buried beside the grave of his mother, Salbiah Abdul Majid, at 4.30pm.
The 'talkin' or prayer at burial was read by a close family friend from Iraq, Sheikh Afeefudin Al Gaylani.
Nasimuddin's remains, which were flown from Los Angeles, California in the United States, arrived at the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Mosque in Jalan Duta at 1.50pm, accompanied by family members, relatives and friends, to enable members of the public to pay their last respects.
His eldest brother, Datuk SM Sharifuddin, 57, said Nasimuddin, who was noted for his kindness and generosity, was very secretive about his ailment.
"Right up to the last minute, he requested that his illness be kept a secret because he was still fighting for his life. He said 'I will come back, I will come back'," said Sharifuddin, who is also a director of Naza Motor Trading Sdn Bhd. He said the last time he had met Nasimuddin was when they celebrated his (Sharifuddin's) birthday on Jan 27, after which he left for the United States for treatment.
Nasimuddin's eldest son, Sheikh Mohd Faisal, said his father had told him to look after the family and business well.
"He is a father of (the) automotive world. We, the whole family will continue whatever he had started...(a) long way to go...He also said 'whatever you do (you) must contribute towards humanity. My father believes in humanity. He does it for the people. He is always advising Malays to improve themselves," he said.
People's Progressive Party (PPP) President Datuk M.Kayveas, who also attended the funeral, said he had known Nasimuddin for the past 30 years when he was beginning to venture into the automotive trade.
"Usually when the general election was approaching, Nasimuddin would contact me to convey his best wishes. But in the last election, he did not contact me," he said.
Businessman Datuk Seri Khaled Mohamed Jiwa, or better known as "Datuk K", described Nasimuddin as a diligent man who was determined to develop his business.
"I knew him for the past 25 years and was close to him," he said.
Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who was overcome with emotion, said:
"He had been my friend for a long time. I have (now) lost a friend".
More than 2,000 people attended the funeral. - Bernama
