Kota Kinabalu: Toh Puan Rahimah Stephens, widow of Sabah’s first Chief Minister and former Sabah Governor Tun Fuad Stephens, passed away Monday morning. She was 91.
The former Kiulu assemblyman is survived by three children – Asgari, Faridah and Fauziah.
Rahimah was born in Beaufort and the first female member to be part of the Sabah Legislative Assembly in 1976.
She had also served as Sabah’s Community Service Minister.
She was appointed as United National Kadazan Organisation (Unko) women’s chief in 1961 before the organisation was rebranded as United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko).
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor on Monday visited the family of Rahimah to convey his condolences and pay last respects to the late Rahimah.
Hajiji was accompanied by State Secretary Datuk Safar Untong and Kawang Assemblyman Datuk Ghulam Haidarkhan Bahadar during the visit to the family’s residence in Jalan Lintas, here.
In KUALA LUMPUR, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah also expressed his condolences to the entire family of Rahimah.
Also extending her condolences was the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
In an Istana Negara Facebook post, the royal couple was saddened by the demise of Rahimah and hoped her family would be patient and strong over their loss.
“Their Majesties also prayed that the soul of the Allahyarhamah be showered with blessings by Allah SWT and be placed with the righteous,” according to post.
Former Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman also extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Toh Puan.
“Today we lost a strong gracious woman of remarkable character. A woman who pioneered women’s role in public service as the first Sabah woman Cabinet Minister under the Berjaya government.
“Toh Puan was humble and kind yet resilient despite having faced so many challenges including the tragic death of her husband Fuad Stephens in the June 6, 1976 Nomad air crash.”
He said her strength in character was equally matched by her zest for life reflected by her love for dancing ripe into her golden years.
“I had the privilege of knowing this classy lady who was very comfortable in telling me her concerns and wishes for Sabah.
At the end of each conversation, she would say, ‘Take care of Sabah Musa.’
