Obituary: Salahuddin Ayub, people's champion on cost of living issues

SHAH ALAM - The late Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub became an important figure in the community after being the initiator of various Rahmah Initiatives that gave a lot of relief to the people who were facing the pressure of the cost of living.

The passing of Salahuddin was deeply felt by people from all walks of life who previously looked forward to the development of the Rahmah Initiative, namely Rahmah Menu, Rahmah Basket, Rahmah Package and Rahmah Cafe.

The inspiration that he introduced under the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry could be considered a famous 'brand' that the Madani Government could be proud of under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Salahuddin, who should have celebrated his 62nd birthday on December 1 this year, had a very likable personality. He was among the leaders who were easily approachable by the people and members of the media.

Of Malay-Chinese descent, he left behind a widow, Datin Seri Fatimah Taha and six children.

The holder of a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) also served as a financial officer at MUI Bank in 1980 before he joined politics three years later.

Before that, Salahuddin was active in non-governmental organisations (NGOs), until he was appointed as the Pontian Malaysian Islamic Youth (ABIM) secretary from 1981 to 1983.

He started his struggle in the political arena in 1983 through Pas but chose to stop fighting under the party's logo after 32 years.

In 2015, Salahuddin chose Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) as a new platform to continue his political struggle even though he previously held an important position in Pas since 2009 – the party's vice president.

As an influential leader, Salahuddin was entrusted with the responsibility of being Amanah Deputy President for two consecutive terms.

Through the Amanah party ticket which is part of Pakatan Harapan (PH), Salahuddin also won the Johor State Legislative Assembly (Dun) seat for the Simpang Jeram area in Muar, and the Dewan Rakyat seat, Pulai Parliament in the 2018 General Election.

Salahuddin was appointed Vice President of the Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council on September 22, 2015.

On his service in the cabinet, Salahudin was appointed as the Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister following PH's victory in the 14th General Election (GE14) but resigned on February 24 2020.

However, after PH successfully formed a Unity Government in GE15, he was again placed in the cabinet as the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister.

His service and devotion to the community to ensure that the fate of the people continued to be defended, especially through the last hard work as the minister would continue to be engraved in the hearts and memories of Malaysians who benefited from the initiatives that were set in motion.

Salahuddin's struggle in all aspects of politics, as well as government governance, would also remain in the history of the country.