Former Bongawan assemblyman Datuk Karim Bujang dies at 73, laid to rest in Kimanis

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 — Former Bongawan assemblyman Datuk Karim Bujang passed away at his home in Kampung Sipanggil, Putatan, near Kota Kinabalu, at the age of 73. His body was interred at the Kampung Brunei Muslim Cemetery in Kimanis following funeral prayers held at the Imam Abdullah Mosque in his hometown. Having served as an assemblyman for five terms from 1990 to 2013, Karim leaves behind his wife Datin Maimun Pg Bagul, two sons, and three grandchildren.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor conveyed his condolences, acknowledging Karim's significant contributions and valuable service to Sabah, while expressing hope for the family's strength and patience in coping with the loss. Kimanis Member of Parliament Datuk Mohamad Alamin also mourned the passing of the late political figure, recalling him as a mentor and guide who had supported him in his political career since the early 2000s.

Despite competing in the 2020 Kimanis parliamentary by-election, their friendship and goodwill remained intact. Karim's political journey began in 1990 when he joined Usno, later transitioning to Umno in 1991, and eventually representing the Parti Warisan in the 2018 General Election and the 2020 Kimanis parliamentary by-election.

He later stepped down as the party's Permanent Chairman and joined Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) in 2024.