Hasnan Awang, who is the brother-in-law of Plantation Industries and Commodities Deputy Minister Noriah Kasnon, said this to Bernama.
He said they had planned to hold the tahlil prayer for quite some time and were looking forward to seeing each member of their big family tonight.
“Now, six of her seven siblings are all here, except her. It seems God has a better plan for her,” he told reporters at his home here today.
Hassan also described Noriah’s death as a major loss, not only to their family, but all residents in Sungai Besar.
Hasnan, 57, who is also Noriah’s special aide for her parliamentary constituency matters, said she was a leader who was committed in discharging her duties and serving the people.
“In the recent rain storm which had damaged several houses in Sungai Besar, Noriah had immediately instructed her officers to help the people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Noriah’s younger brother, Saiful Baharin, 44, described his sister as a very responsible and caring person, especially to the family.
“At home, she was affectionately called Nin…I was very close to Kak Nin and we surely will miss her especially on Hari Raya…because it was her who would prepare everything for everyone during Hari Raya.
“It was obvious to all of us that she was happier after getting married last year. Her life was complete with understanding children and a loving husband who was always by her side…he was her long lost love, but fate had eventually led them to each other,” he said, smiling.
Meanwhile Noriah’s private secretary Abidin Supardi said the deputy minister very much preferred to keep to herself of late.
Abidin who was Noriah’s private secretary for the past 12 years said even when on the way to Betong in a helicopter, she was very quiet and always kept to herself.”
Abidin was in the same helicopter with Noriah when the group went to Betong.
Abidin was speaking to reporters at the Kuching General Hospital mortuary where he identified the body found by the search and rescue team at noon today in Sebuyau.
As for Kuala Kangsar Member of Parliament Wan Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad, who is also the Malaysian Palm Oil Board chairman, Abidin said it was true that he had switched helicopters when returning from Betong.
Abidin said Wan Mohamad was in the ill-fated helicopter while he was with another group in the second helicopter that also left from Betong.
Prime Minister Najib Razak had confirmed that the helicopter was carrying six people – Noriah ; her husband Asmuni Abdullah; Kuala Kangsar MP Wan Mohammad; Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry secretary-general Dr Sundaran Annamalai; Noriah’s bodyguard Ahmad Sobri Harun; and Filipino pilot Rudolf Rex Ragas.
The helicopter left Betong, about 250km from here, at 4.12pm yesterday and lost contact with the control tower three minutes later.
Noriah was in Betong yesterday for work related to her ministry in the run-up to the Sarawak election tomorrow.
— BERNAMA