KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 27): Former Deputy Information Minister Datuk Railey Jeffrey, who died from old age yesterday, was buried at the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery here at 10.30am today.

Prior to that, his remains were taken to Masjid Jamek Tengku Abdul Aziz Shah, Kampung Sungai Penchala, for the funeral prayer.

The burial ceremony was a brief one in complying with the prescribed standard operating procedures and attended only by close family members and  friends, including Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and Railey’s former wife, Datin Sharifah Sheril Aida Syed Kechil.

Mohd Shafie said he had known Railey for more than 20 years and described him as a good leader.

“He cared about the people’s welfare,” he added.

Railey died at the age of 75 at his residence in Damansara Lagenda, Petaling Jaya at 5.30pm yesterday.

He was Deputy Information Minister from 1986 to 1995 and then as Deputy Works Minister until 1991.

During that period, he was the Silam Member of Parliament from the United Sabah National Organisation (USNO), which later joined UMNO in 1991.