Kota Kinabalu: Sabah lost a woman pioneer and leader who was very approachable and always there for the people who conveyed their predicament and needs for rural development with the passing of Toh Puan Rahimah Stephens, said former Chief Minister Tan Sri Harris Salleh.
He said this in conveying his and his family’s deepest condolences to the family of late Rahimah, the widow of Sabah’s first Chief Minister and former Sabah Governor Tun Fuad Stephens, who passed away Monday morning, at the age of 91.
Harris said the late Rahimah had dedicated all her life to Sabahans and Sabah, just like her late husband.
“When Toh Puan and Tun Fuad were in Australia as Malaysian High Commissioners, they contributed to the good relationship between Malaysia and Australia, particularly among Malaysian students.
“Toh Puan was the first lady member of the State Legislative Assembly in 1976. She won the Kiulu seat in 1976 and was made a full Minister of Sabah Welfare in the Berjaya Government. Toh Puan was also the first lady to become a full Minister in the State Government. Toh Puan served as a Minister for nine years and contributed substantially to the betterment of rural people.
“Toh Puan was very approachable and always had time to listen to people who conveyed their predicament and the needs for rural development. Toh Puan’s Kiulu constituency was fully developed infrastructurally and economically.
“I, and former Berjaya supporting members and supporters, pray for Allah Almighty to bestow her in Jannatul-Firdaus. Amin,” he said in a statement Tuesday.
