KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- The passing of Rumpun Silat Sarawak (RSS) president Muhammad Haneef Ali today is a great loss to the martial art fraternity, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
In a Facebook post, he expressed his sadness and grief over the passing of the late Muhammad Haneef, who was also the chief instructor of Seni Silat Helang Putih Perkasa Sarawak.
“The late Muhammad Haneef’s contributions, knowledge, guidance and service will always be remembered.
“My condolences. May all family members be granted strength, fortitude and patience in facing this deeply painful time,” he said.
Fadillah also prayed that the late Muhammad Haneef would be forgiven, blessed and placed among the believers, and granted Allah’s pleasure.
According to a DayakDaily report quoting a statement by RSS, Muhammad Haneef died at 12.27 noon at the age of 78.
The late Muhammad Haneef, who was born in Miri, began learning silat at the age of nine and served as RSS secretary-general from 1987 to 2014 before leading the organisation as its president until the end of his life.
Throughout his involvement in silat, the late Muhammad Haneef also served as Vice-President II of the Malaysian National Silat Federation (PESAKA) from 1994 to 1996, as well as a national referee and judge.
His contributions were also recognised with the Jasamu Dikenang Award from PESAKA Malaysia in 2024.
-- BERNAMA