KOTA KINABALU (April 17): Former Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup passed away on Wednesday night.

This was confirmed by an officer to his son, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, who is the current PBRS president and the deputy agriculture and food security minister.

It is understood that the elder Joseph, 79, died at the National Heart Institute in Kuala Lumpur.

The former Pensiangan Member of Parliament had held several important positions, including as a minister in the Prime Minister's Department (national unity and integration).

His body is scheduled to be flown back to Sabah on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Arthur in a brief statement on Wednesday night expressed his grief over the loss of his father.

“Thank you dad. You are the best. I love you with all my heart,” he said.