DR Mahathir Mohamad last saw Md Farid Md Rafik during Friday prayers in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, said an aide to the prime minister.

“They prayed together at Masjid Istana Negara yesterday, and as the prime minister is very saddened by the news of his death,” said an officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity today.

The officer said Dr Mahathir will go to Pontian to attend Farid’s burial later this afternoon.

The prime minister had launched the Malaysia Cooperative Societies Commission’s 100th year countdown in Putrajaya this morning, but declined to stay for the press conference as he had to rush to Johor.

Farid, who was Tanjung Piai MP and deputy minister for national unity and social wellbeing, died this morning after suffering a heart attack at 42.

Farid’s body will be brought to Serkat in Pontian for burial before Zohor prayers (about 1.30pm). – September 21, 2019.