I’m alone now, Mahathir says after death of old friend

Dr Mahathir Mohamad today penned a tribute to an old friend who died yesterday, recalling others who had been peers with him on the political stage who have since passed away as well.

“Khalid Julong died on Nov 18, 2020,” he wrote in a post on his blog. “With his death ends a generation of Malay warriors.

“Khalid, Azahari Taib, Khir Johari, Khir Pa’ Awang, Hj Taha, Chegu Senu and all the others are no more.

“I am left alone. I am sad. They were all old friends. I am lonely.”

Khalid, whose real name is Khalid Abdullah, died of old age at the Kedah Medical Centre. He was 98.

He was a veteran Umno MP who served as Alor Merah assemblyman from 1975 to 1980. He had also been a member of the Umno Supreme Council.

Mahathir, who turned 95 this year, often spoke of Khalid as a friend and political inspiration.

He said in his post that they met just after the end of World War II, adding that they were both part of Saberkas, an awareness group of young Malays.

“I pray that his soul will be blessed by Allah,” he said.