Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has expressed profound condolences following the death of Datuk Mohd Sukari Ab Hamid, the former director-general of the Information Department, on August 3. Mohd Sukari, aged 65, passed away after completing his tenure at the helm of a critical government communications institution.
In his tribute, Fahmi reflected on his working relationship with the late senior civil servant, noting that Mohd Sukari was among the first officials he engaged with after assuming leadership of the Communications Ministry. This early interaction underscores the significance of Mohd Sukari's role within the ministry's operational framework and his recognised expertise in government information management.
The minister emphasised the closeness of their professional collaboration, describing Mohd Sukari as one of his most trusted partners in executing the ministry's administrative functions. Such partnerships between political leadership and experienced civil servants are fundamental to Malaysia's governance structure, where institutional knowledge and continuity are maintained through respect for long-serving officials. Fahmi's acknowledgement of this working relationship reflects the esteem in which Mohd Sukari was held across the ministry hierarchy.
Fahmi conveyed his sense of loss through a Facebook post, describing the impact of Mohd Sukari's passing as deeply felt throughout the entire Communications Ministry family, with particular resonance within the Information Department itself. The ripple effect of a senior leader's departure extends beyond administrative structures; it represents the loss of accumulated experience, institutional memory, and leadership that shaped departmental culture and strategic direction. For the Information Department specifically, which handles critical functions relating to government communication and public information dissemination, such a loss carries additional weight.
Mohd Sukari's official tenure as director-general spanned from December 7, 2020, until his retirement on March 20, 2024, representing a tenure of over three years leading one of Malaysia's central information agencies. During this period, he navigated significant challenges including the evolving landscape of digital communications, the complexities of managing public information during multiple government transitions, and the increasing scrutiny of government messaging in an era of rapid information dissemination across social media platforms.
The funeral rites were conducted in accordance with Islamic tradition, with Mohd Sukari laid to rest after Asar prayers at Sakinah Cemetery in Kampung Melayu, Kepong. This adherence to religious observance reflects the values embedded within Malaysia's institutional framework, where respect for faith-based customs remains integral to official acknowledgements and ceremonies.
Mohd Sukari's career culminated in a position of considerable responsibility within Malaysia's federal bureaucracy. As head of the Information Department, he would have been instrumental in shaping how government messages reached the Malaysian public, overseeing strategic communications initiatives, and managing the department's relationship with media organisations and digital platforms. The director-general role represents one of the most influential positions within Malaysia's civil service, particularly in an increasingly mediated political environment where information control and strategic messaging have become central to governance.
The tribute from Fahmi reflects a broader appreciation within the Malaysian government apparatus for civil servants who dedicate their careers to public service. Fahmi's invocation of Islamic prayers for Mohd Sukari's soul—requesting forgiveness of his sins, divine mercy, and his placement among the righteous—demonstrates the integration of spiritual values within Malaysia's political culture and the respect accorded to those who have served the nation.
Mohd Sukari's passing comes at a time when Malaysia's information management functions face unprecedented demands. The proliferation of digital channels, the speed of information dissemination, and the complexity of managing government communications across multiple constituencies have transformed the role of information departments across Southeast Asia. Experienced leaders like Mohd Sukari who understood both traditional and emerging communication landscapes become increasingly invaluable to institutional continuity.
The succession of the Information Department directorship and the transition of responsibilities following Mohd Sukari's retirement earlier in 2024 highlight the ongoing need for effective knowledge transfer within Malaysia's civil service. Ensuring that institutional expertise is preserved and transmitted to incoming leaders remains a challenge for government agencies seeking to maintain service quality and strategic coherence during periods of leadership change. Fahmi's public acknowledgement of Mohd Sukari's contributions serves to preserve the memory of his professional legacy within Malaysia's administrative history.
